Mayu
Hyourinmaru07: Lol, you seem to read my mind. Yamato does have a band but unfortunately, I don't think they'll have a big part in the story.
JyouraKoumi: Your pen name does insinuate that you like Jyoura yeah? I wonder how many of those are still around in Got to admit though, short stories to tend to leave some things hanging and gets one wondering 'so what happened afterwards?'. D But yes, at the moment,I have a hunch that this story is only going to have 7 chapters (maybe 8 but highly doubtful).
Yurikitsune: Motorcycle...all the time...fun. Shrieks and the author starts running around like a mad woman. Being on motorcycle twice in my life, scared the life out of me!
theladyknight: Ha! You wouldn't know how many cups of hot chocolates and mochas I had while I was writing that chapter...This is the negative aspects of writing, you write about stuff you have cravings for.PTheSimpson inSpanish? uh...Iexperienced CardCaptor in Chinese and it killed me.I must admit, I'm not a big fanof anysort of anime orcartoon dubbed in any other language other than Japanese and English.
Serenity984: D Glad you liked it.
Aino Yuy: I will take up the challenge and I will even make it slightly more difficult for myself. I set the deadline at midnight 1st of October. Let's see if I can make Sora and Yamato confess their undying love for each other by then. Lol I had a lot of fun writing about the interaction between the two of them, unfortunately, the story sort of goes down hill from here (yes, it gets serious again), butI will try my best to make the last chapter more interesting for the two.
Chapter Four – One Day One Dream
Yamato also felt the intense tension in the room as he surveyed every person who was already seated around a circular table and decided that nothing could be a better icebreaker than an informative introduction. He turned to the graceful and elegant looking woman who smiled pleasantly at him. "You must be Mrs. Takenouchi. I am Yamato Ishida and thank you for your cooperation with him me today." It was slightly awkward for he had no intention of introducing himself as the son of the woman who stole her husband but nevertheless, he was sure that Mrs. Takenouchi knew exactly who he was.
"It's Ms. Ishikawa now and please, just call me Ai." The woman reminded him courteously and slightly embarrassed. Yamato nodded and smiled apologetically, in someway, the strength and determination behind the docile woman reminded him of how Sora can be. They are both fighters, unwilling to bow to their submissive fate, while Sora battled with a fiery façade, her mothered employed lithe inner strength. Although Sora might seemed to be stronger, Yamato knew that it will be Ai-san who come out victoriously and unscathed.
Seated next to Ai-san was a reserved and patient looking man, although by the way he twisted his ring on his right hand, Yamato knew he was slightly agitated and uncomforted by the close proximity of his ex-wife and him.
"Mr. Takenouchi. How are you?" Yamato smiled and decided to tease the man a little. "I hope you do not mind the seating arrangement." As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw his mother who seated next to Mr. Takenouchi scowled at him and knew instinctively that he'd be a load of trouble once she gets her hands on him.
"That's alright Yamato. I don't mind at all." He looked at Natsumi reassuringly. "And its just Hatori if you prefer. Mr. Takenouchi sounded a bit too formal." At this, he smiled humbly and risked a glance at his ex-wife and quickly averted his gaze abashedly.
Yamato nearly snorted then and there. It will be long before he actually calls him Hatori and even longer before he will calls him Hatori-tou-sama. Yamato glanced at Sora who stood unsurely next to him, he couldn't see if Sora inherited anything from him except maybe his hair and his eyes. As far as he could see, they are about as different as day and night!
Yamato studied the man and the two women who sat on either side of him and found that although he and Ai-san are complementary, they are both the taciturn and timid and too similar for their own good, while Mr. Takenouchi and his mother made a supplementary pair, and supported each other's shortcomings.
"And Sora, you've met my mother Natsumi Takashi. She can be exuberant and puerile sometimes but don't mind her, she is harmless enough."
The man with golden blonde hair and piercing blue eyes who sat on the other side of Natsumi sniggered. "Harmless my boy? I've been married to her for eight years and I know 'harmless' she can be." He threw in the quotation gesture at harmless for good measure and everyone for the first time they set foot into the room laughed.
"Yes, and that is my dad, Kuroda Ishida." Yamato sighed and introduced the charismatic man to Sora.
"Ishida-sama." Sora bowed slightly. She wasn't sure what possessed her to revere the man so, but her instinct told her that while he can humorous and good-natured when he liked one, he could be also very formidable and intimidating if he wished otherwise.
"It's Kuroda." He grinned.
"Kuroda-sama." Sora obliged but still felt uncomforted in dropping the formality.
The grinned widened and for a moment, Sora thought herself looking at an older version of Yamato. "Its just Kuroda. But if you must, Kuroda-san is still acceptable."
"Kuroda-san." Sora repeated and smiled a little, she felt like they had just done a business deal and both of them made a fairly reasonable bargain.
Seated next to Kuroda-san was a vain and haughty woman in her early thirties in a flamboyant satin red dress, which hangs on her well-curved body like art. She leaned towards Kuroda-san so her long dyed chestnut hair fell to one side and exposed her draping diamond earring and her porcelain neck. She smiled coyly at Yamato and waited for him to introduce her.
"That's Kaori Tsuji. My father's girlfriend."
The introduction was succinct and the woman pouted sultrily, "Yamato darling. It's fiancée now." She drawled slightly and in the same manner she waved her right hand to show off her diamond ring and clearly ignored Sora's existence.
Yamato shivered slightly and glared at the woman detestably while Kuroda-san gazed at her as if she was the most fascinating creature he ever encountered. "Yes, it's fiancée now. My mistake." Yamato brushed over it causally and ignored the woman pointed at the young boy who shifted further away from Kaori Tsuji but smiled at Sora warmly.
"That young rascal over there is my brother, Takeru Takashi. You can call him T.K." Yamato walked over and patted his brother affectionately and the young boy scowled. "He's a cheerful and chirpy little thing. You two will get along amiably." He added and pulled the seat out for Sora in the most gentlemanlike manner.
Sora walked over and sat in the most ladylike manner she could muster to correspond with him.
"This is Sora Takenouchi, a close friend of mine."
Yamato closed the introduction and sat down himself. Sora could not help but feel a little bit disappointed that he introduced her as a friend but nevertheless; she was pleased that he considered her close.
As soon as Yamato finished, the room once again fell to silence and the tension rose. Ai Ishikawa and Natsumi Takashi looked at each other and tried their best to smile at each other while Kaori Tsuji gloated at the two of them. Hatori Takenouchi and Kuroda Ishida eyed each other wearily, the only person who was unaffected by any of this was Takeru who glanced from one to another as if he was watching an amusing film. Yamato starred at his brother and had a very strong urge to slap some senses and normalcy into him.
"So Takeru, which school do you go to?" Sora asked awkwardly, trying to be communicative to at least one person who seemed most friendly.
"Eh?" Takeru drew attention back from the adults to a more interesting subject. "School? I go to the same one Yamato goes to, so we see each other quite a bit. Tell me about you Sora-nee-chan. I am sure you and my brother aren't just friends." He was bold in his questioning and Sora was momentarily taken aback.
His tactless behavior also managed to drew the attention of the adults as they turned and stared at the children.
"Of course, you do not mind me calling you Sora-nee-chan right?" Takeru blabbered on and gave no care in the world whether anyone minded or not. "Cause you see, if Hatori-san marries my mum, we'd be siblings and if one day you marry Yamato, well…"
He left the sentence dangling and both Sora and Yamato turned pink at the suggestion.
"That's true. I for one know that Yamato fancies Sora. He invited her home you know." Natsumi added ungraciously and grinned at her younger son.
"Now that I think about it, Sora did come home in boy's clothing last night and this morning, she was so absent-minded that I thought she caught a fever in the rain last night." Ai chipped in and turned to Natsumi and grinned. Just that moment, the invisible wall between the two women disappeared and they found themselves unbothered by the other's presence.
Hatori shrugged. "Well, they do make a good match I suppose. Although I do think that it is too early for Sora to be thinking about boyfriends. Getting into university should be her priority."
"Come on old chap, you were her age once and you know that one is perfectly capable of achieving both at the same time given that one is dedicated enough and knows how to allocate time responsibly." Kuroda was tickled at Hatori's reaction; he had fully expected the man to blow up at the idea of her daughter being involved with a boy.
The only one in the room who was not amused at the suggestion of Sora and Yamato being together was Kaori. "If you ask me, I think they are not compatible at all." She crossed her arms and declared but everyone ignored her and went on in planning Sora and Yamato's wedding in great humor.
"I think it is ridiculous. That girl has no fashion sense and she's very…unfeminine." Kaori emphasized her point with more force this time and everyone suddenly stopped talking and looked at her incredulously.
"Girls tend to grow more feminine through time, love and proper clothing. You know that." Ai came to her daughter's defense first, for although she liked Natsumi slightly better, she disliked Kaori and had tried her best to hide her opinion.
"And you don't need a fashion sense to produce beautiful babies." Natsumi added with a shrug and Sora stared at the woman with gapping mouth. She could not believe Natsumi had just said that. Babies! They got to that already!
"Wait a minute now…" Sora objected to their little 'fantasy', however, she never got to finish her sentence as Kuroda cut in and teased Kaori mercilessly. "If you continue this my darling. Everyone will think you are jealous and wanted Yamato for yourself."
At this, Kaori glowered and reclined onto her chair in silence. The other four adults looked at one another and went back to their previous discussion.
Sora smirked slightly as she leaned towards Yamato and whispered. "If I am not mistaken, I think she was lusting after you."
"Ugly thought isn't it?" Takeru also leaned over to join the conversation. "Seriously though, if she tries anything, don't refrain yourself from suing her ass off for sexual assault on minor. That will promptly get her out of your life."
Yamato grimaced at the thought. "Well, I am already18 and won't be considered as minor. But seriously, I think she was more interested in dad's money cause once I get a girlfriend, my expenditure is going to skyrocket."
Takeru paused and looked thoroughly confused as Sora chortled, "ah yes, you know what they say Yamato, dating is to decrease one family's expenditure while increase another's."
After her explanation, Takeru joined her laughter. "It is especially true in Yamato's case. The convenience store will make a fortune just by selling him hair gels and hair care products."
"Why you little!" Yamato raised his fist and threatened Takeru while the younger blonde laughed harder and had no intention of apologizing. Yamato gave a resigned sigh and turned his attention back to Sora. "Well, getting back to the point of organizing this meeting, I just wanted to show you that the two families are perfectly capable of tolerating each other. Instead of thinking it as if your parents had split up, why not think of it as an opportunity where you gained a larger and more dysfunctional family."
"Yeah, think of the Christmas and birthday presents each year! Not only am I getting goodies from otou-san and okaa-san, I am also going to get something from Ai-kaa-san and Hatori-tou-san." Takeru added saucily to Yamato's philosophy. "Of course, I am expecting something really nice from Yamato as well, preferably expensive."
Sora dropped her gaze and interlocked her fingers. "I like your parents and all. It's just that no matter how much I love my dad, I still can't forgive him for what he has done and my mother simply just accepting it all."
"There are circumstances where you should muster all you have and fight for it and there are times where there's nothing better to do than accepting life as it is and move on from it. A person has to bow sometimes, you just have to recognize it when you see it." Yamato grasped Sora's hands and held it in his own. "It's called wisdom and experience."
"It's exactly as Yamato said." Ai Ishikawa continued from Yamato's words and looked at her daughter adoringly. It was only then that Sora realized everyone had listened in to she and Yamato's conversation. "When the one hurts or betrays you, you have to ask yourself is it better to hold onto the façade of great love or might it be wiser to have a different relationship with that person; such as a friend, a confidant or a mentor. In our case," Ai paused to look at her ex-husband and smiled gently, "we are perfectly happy to be friends."
"And Hatori will always be your father my dear." Natsumi picked up where Ai left off. "Nothing will ever change that and he will always love you even though he may reside else where."
"And I will always be beside you, watching over you. Like a hawk, if you ever decide to do something foolish that might jeopardize your chances of attending higher education." Hatori added the second sentence after a momentary consideration.
Kuroda grinned from ear to ear at Hatori's proclamation. "If by any chance, he might be unavailable, I will always be there to watch over you for him."
Sora was moved beyond hopelessness by the care and affection of everyone, she closed her eyes and tried to laugh, but instead a tear fell out. But it was not tears of melancholies but of joy, great joy and great love. She actually laughed out loud when Kaori broke her silence and claimed that if worse came, she wouldn't mind taking her along for shopping and teach her how to seduce men.
"I think that's an art you'd have to keep to yourself, Kaori darling." Kuroda told her in a mirthful tone, "I think Hatori for one would've murdered you and Yamato wouldn't take lightly of that either."
Kaori winked at Sora and lounged back and for the first time, Sora felt that although Kaori can be pampered and egocentric, she's quite harmless.
"Now since we are all here in this really expensive place, we might as well order something and celebrate this joyous and wonderful occasion. They've got fabulous lobsters and the sushi is totally outof this world." Kuroda explained to everyone and hollered for waiter. "Plus, all the waiters and waitresses are real eye candies. That's why they can charge a fortune and people would still come back."
At the end of the night, Sora must admit that she had overreacted last night and although her fears weren't unusual, it was something most people could've overcome gracefully given time to sort out their thoughts. She was overly dependant upon other people and did not have enough faith in herself and her abilities.
"Come Sora, I will get you home. It's late" Sora felt a hand on her shoulder and as she lifted her gaze, she found Yamato smiling down upon her. "The grownups wanted to stay a little longer and Takeru will go home with my mother. You on the other hand, was quiet the whole night and I presume it must be tiring to go through such ordeal in two days."
Sora nodded in agreement in silence. The truth is, she's tired and although she got through this knot, there is another jumbo-sized knot in regards to Taichi and Mimi that she had to go through sooner or later and by all, she preferred to either avoid a confrontation or get it done and over with.
First, she'd have to sort out whether the feeling she harbored for Taichi was love just affection and then, she'd have to weight it and see if it is worth it telling them to her best friends. This time, she wanted to solve it by herself and not lay her burdens on Yamato or any others.
"Am I going to have to take another ride on your motorcycle?" Sora asked in a whiny voice at which Yamato laughed.
"No, I am too tired. I think a cab would be fairly nice. Wouldn't you say?" He gave her hand a light squeeze and lead her out of the VIP room after they bid everyone goodnight.
Sora followed him groggily out of the room. She's glad that Yamato was considerate enough to escort her home, for the moment she step out of the room, nearly everyone in the restaurant turned to gawk at her and whispered among themselves. Sora blushed as Yamato fastened his pace and practically pulled her all the way towards the exit.
"Jyou! I am going now, can I get you to take my motorcycle." Yamato only stopped at the front desk, separated a key from the key ring and tossed it to the blue haired concierge behind the counter. "And don't work too late, we've got band practice tomorrow."
That was all he said before he rushed out of the door without waiting for any replies from Jyou. Sora smiled at Jyou and waved at him out of politeness before she followed Yamato out hurriedly.
"You know, I don't mind staying a little longer if you want to talk to your friend." Sora tugged Yamato's sleeve the moment they were outside as he tried to get them a taxi. "Isn't it a bit rude like that?"
Yamato turned and stared at Sora in amazement. "Don't tell me you didn't feel everyone's eyes on us! That's expected though, the VIP room charges a fortune, you need to be a tycoon to be able to afford it, anyone who goes in there would have to be drastically important. Jyou understands that and he wouldn't mind that I was a bit brash."
"But…we just…your dad could afford it…" Sora's eyes suddenly widened. "Your dad…your apartment was horrible!"
Yamato laughed at Sora's reaction. "Believe it or not, Jyou said the exact same thing when I told him what my dad do for a living."
Sora wasn't curious about that initially, but now, since it became the subject, she could not help but wonder. "Wait a minute. What does your dad do for a living so that Kaori drapes all over him sparkling in diamond?"
Yamato laughed even harder at the way Sora phrased the question. "I suppose you were right, she does tend to drape around a bit." He muttered between laughs, "but sparkling in diamond? She only does it when she wants to show off a bit. Mind you, that's practically every second day."
"Come on Yamato, what does your dad do for a living that shocks other people." Sora stamped her feet impatiently.
"Well…" Yamato paused to tease Sora slightly, but seeing her inquisitive look, he decided otherwise. "My dad owns the Odaiba television station, a couple smaller radio stations, and the local newspaper."
Sora stared at Yamato, astounded.
"Are you serious?" After a very long silence, that was all she came up with. That was also all she said until Yamato successfully got them a taxi.
The rest of the way home, Sora did not manage to carry much of a conversation. She could not help but feel terribly disorientated. Seriously, what are the chances of her meeting one of the most important man in Odaiba, people would faint at the prospect. Kuroda was the person one wanted to know if one wished to make a name for him or herself in the entertainment industry.
It was rather a pity that she had no wish to even set foot in the entertainment industry. She'd rather follow her mother's footsteps and tend to the flowers in the florist or become a biogenetics scientist in white lab coats.
However, what she worried more was the question of why the son of such a powerful man would take interest in her. So what if they are to be siblings, he could very well dismiss her and be in arms of women more beautiful, intelligent and less ignorant and selfish.
She hated the feeling of insecurity, but at such situation she cannot help but the feel it weighting down on her and her relationship with Yamato. There's a wall, as there always has been a wall between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the pitiful and somehow at that instant, that wall appeared between Yamato and her.
At least, she felt so and it gnawed her.
She returned home drowsily and had a vague recollection of Yamato had invited her to his band practice somewhere along the line and that's how she collapsed onto her bed, clothe, shoes and all.
The fourth chapter! Yippee! Thanks everyone for your patience so far.
Ayumi Hamasaki's STEP You and My Name's Women has been my inspiration for this chapter. It is interesting though, since I was never a big fan of Ayumi. To get me addicted to her song is…like not falling asleep in Math classes (difficult but not impossible).
I must admit; the MTV for My Name's Women inspired much in the story. For one, the sparkling sparkling earring that Ayumi wore and the sauciness went to Kaori. The fire and beat of the song (which is basically about women standing up for themselves and such) went to Ai, Sora's mother.
Of course, the title of the chapter was from Tackey & Tsubasa. grins Although it wasn't my favorite song (too rockish), but isn't the title just lovely!
Eiliriel