Hey! Here's the next chapter! Sorry that it took so long! No my vacation wasn't that long although I wish it was. Thanks to those who reviewed and have stayed with me thus far. Thanks to those who let me use their character for this story as well. Here is some definite fluff for all those that like it. Enjoy!
I don't own anything except for my own characters...
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Chapter 10: Be My Valentine
"Have you guys seen Miko-chan at all since the dance?" Tala asked the four members that lived in the Haraguchi mansion. It was the first week of February and Kumiko had yet to come home from her trip and meetings. Everyone began to worry when she hadn't shown up when school began. Tala was the most worried because Kumiko would always call him if something happened or plans changed.
"We haven't seen her yet Tala. Otou-san is here now though. Maybe you should go talk to him," Salima informed, worry etched into her face.
"Actually I saw her once while everyone else was gone," Mariam proclaimed to the small group. Everyone turned their attention to the navy haired girl. "I was home by myself and I saw her go into the study. I waited for her to come out and when she did I asked her what was going on. She said not to worry and that she had work to do," Mariam replayed the incident briefly.
"Why didn't you tell us Mariam?" Ozuma asked, not believing that she withheld the information that she had seen Kumiko.
"She made me promise not to mention that she was here," Mariam defended. "I don't know why though."
"Alright. I'll talk to otou-san and see if he knows anything," Tala decided and made his way to the study. He hesitated a moment before knocking loudly on the door. He opened the door and went in when Ryo allowed him entrance. He closed the door behind him and approached the working leader. He waited until Ryo talked to him first.
"Tala, what do I owe this pleasant visit?" Ryo asked when he finished what he was doing.
"Gomen nasai for disturbing your work but we were wondering when Miko-chan was coming back and where she is. This is the longest she's been away," Tala said taking a seat in front of him.
"She really didn't want me to say anything but since you are so worried, I'll tell you when she'll come back. Where she went is for her to tell. She'll be back a week from Wednesday at night. Time I am not sure of but I know she'll be home on Wednesday next week," Ryo informed to the red head.
"Arigato otou-san," Tala said, relief and gratitude shining in his eyes. Ryo just smiled and nodded and went back to work when Tala got up and left. He went back to the others and relayed the news that he had just received. "Now we have to plan something for her when she gets back."
"How about we let Kai make the first move?" Mariam suggested with a sly smile.
"What do you mean?" Kane asked, a bit nervous at what was going on in Mariam's head.
"Saturday next week is Valentine's Day. Let him make up with her first and spend a nice afternoon together. Then on Sunday we can have a party or something all day," Mariam explained with a smile.
"That would be a good opportunity. I'll call him up," Tala said, a smirk making its way to his face. He picked up his cell phone and dialed Kai's number. He waited a few seconds before Kai answered the phone. "Kai get over to Miko's house now. We have planning to do."
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Kumiko reluctantly made her way toward her first hour class. She didn't really want to be in school considering the fact that she had gotten home at two in the morning. She tried to stay in bed as long as she could until her alarm clock reminded her to wake up for school. Classes were already in session, she being a few minutes late but it's not like it mattered considering she skipped a whole month of school. She finally made it to her AP Calculus class and waited a moment before going into the classroom. All talking stopped when she entered the room, all eyes on her.
"Gomen nasai for being late sensei," Kumiko apologized in a bow.
"Quite alright Haraguchi-san. Glad to have you back in the classroom. Take your seat," the teacher said with a small smile. Kumiko quickly made her way to her seat and sat down, receiving greetings from the Dark Shadow members. She glanced at Kai who was glancing at her and gave him a soft but shy smile. Their attention was drawn back to the teacher when he continued with her lesson. The day went on and at lunch Kumiko was bombarded with hugs from the gang and questions being asked one after another. Kumiko quickly said that she would tell all after school. After a boring afternoon at school they finally got to leave and were now waiting for Kumiko to talk.
"Well, gomen for being gone so long without telling you guys where I was," Kumiko began with a sheepish smile. "Anyway, down to business. At the Alliance meeting, we discussed about what was happening with the Radicals. We've decided to take them out." Kumiko explained the whole situation and what the plan was. When she finished, everyone seemed anxious to get started.
"So we need to get all our gear ready right?" Ian questioned, already planning out what kind of bombs he could make.
"I've already started and stored most of the stuff away. Ian, I got you more materials and we'll talk later on what we could do," Kumiko answered.
"What else needs to be done?" Tala asked.
"We need to find out where Kadin will be hanging out. I need to call the others and see when we plan to do this. Kenny and Sophie, when we find out where, both of you will find out where he is. Give the layouts to me and we'll make the plans," Kumiko responded, looking at the two computer masters. "Other than that, we wait until then."
"Looks like you're taken care of everything," Tala said with a smile.
"Yeah. I'm tired though. All that traveling and constant jet lag, not good for me. I was going to stay home today but I knew you guys would kill me if I didn't show," Kumiko said, tiredness showing in her eyes. "How'd you guys like my gift?"
"They were sweet Miko-chan!" Tyson exclaimed aloud.
"He hasn't stopped talking about them ever since he got his," Karen said shaking her head.
"Glad you guys liked them. Gomen that it took so long. The crafters kept messing up," Kumiko said with a sheepish smile. She suddenly gave out a big yawn and everyone chuckled at her. "Gomen. I'm so tired."
"Maybe you should go to sleep. We'll handle everything," Tala suggested to the sleepy girl.
"Maybe I should. Arigato," Kumiko replied, handing the red head a manila folder. He took it and she immediately went off to bed. When she was out of earshot, everyone began talking in hushed tones.
"So is everything ready?" Mariah asked quietly as the group huddled close together.
"Almost. Just need a few more ingredients for master chef Rei and then we'll be okay," Salima stated, winking at the Chinese boy.
"What about you Kai? Ready for Saturday?" Karen asked, mischief shining in her sky blue orbs.
"I just need to pick something up and then I'll be done," Kai informed with a grin.
"Alright then everyone. Good luck and hope she doesn't find out about everything too soon," Max wished and everyone nodded in agreement.
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"Happy Valentine's Day Miko-chan!" Mariah exclaimed to the said girl before classes started. Kumiko smile and accepted the pink envelope from the ecstatic pink haired girl. She had already received a well-appreciated breakfast from Mariam, Salima, Ozuma, and Kane.
"Arigato Ria-chan. I'll see you second hour," Kumiko said making her way to her first hour class. She made her way to her usual seat where the others were already there. The only one not present was Kai. The class settled down as the final bell rang and the teacher stepped into the classroom. What she had in her arms surprised everyone.
"Ohayo gozaimasu class. Happy Valentine's Day. Haraguchi-san, this is for you," the teacher said gesturing toward the two stuffed animals in her arms. Kumiko perked up with question and curiosity as she stood and made her way toward the front. She took the two stuffed animals and was surprised to see that they were phoenixes. One was red that looked a bit more masculine while the other one, which was white, was more feminine. There was a small piece of paper nestled in the white one's slightly open beak. She took it out as she sat back down in her seat. Her curiosity peaked as she read the contents.
I know Valentine poems usually start with
"Roses are red, violets are blue"
But here I thought of something different
I thought the poem could be a clue
Questions popped up in her mind at who could have sent her this. Obviously her secret admirer wanted to play some kind of game. Kumiko was brought out of her thoughts when the teacher began her lecture. The next hour, she received another gift, most likely from her admirer.
"This is for you Haraguchi-san. Might want to save it for later," her teacher said, amusement dancing in his eyes. Kumiko took the red circular shaped box that had printed on the front in black was, 'If you love someone, write their name in a circle instead of a heart because hearts break but circles go on forever.' In silver was her name written in the background behind the phrase. She turned the box around and saw another part of the poem that was hand written.
I know you are a different girl
A special one at that
You caught my eye with a single glance
There's no denying that fact
Kumiko blushed slightly but shook it off when Mariah caught her. She ignored the pink haired girl who was giggling behind her. She opened the box and saw a circular piece of chocolate that had her name in the center. The next hour she received a single blue-tipped white rose and another part that gave her a definite clue in who this person could be.
I saw you a year ago
At a festival with no moon a light
I saw you dancing on stage
That fateful paper lantern night
She was anxious to see the next part but was disappointed when she received nothing at the beginning of fourth hour. However, when lunch break came around which was in the middle of fourth hour, she received a box lunch and desserts that were all her favorites. She quickly found the piece of paper and read it.
Your graceful moves and melodious voice captivated me
Your onyx black eyes met with the crimson orbs of mine
Then we met again unsure
If it was a coincidence or fate's own sign
When fifth hour came around, she got several balloons and another part.
You've probably already solved this
Knowing you, you would
But I want to play this game further
If we please could
By now she was positive who it was but still went along with her admirer. Sixth hour came and she received a dozen red roses. A card was embedded near the center that said, 'I'll love you til the last one dies.' It was then she noticed in the center was a fake rose that looked like a real one. On the back of the card was the next part.
You're probably thinking I'm trying to win your love again
And in a way it's the truth
Not only do I want to win your love
But also out aching hearts I want to soothe.
She was slightly surprised that he was trying to win her love back when already had it. The gift she got seventh hour came as a real surprise when she got it. It was a silver chained necklace with a small silver pendent. It was about the size of an American nickel that had five small sapphire stones surrounding a single diamond, making it look like a star. Etched on both sides of the star was a pair of wings. She read the paper that came with it.
I know I was a fool for not trusting
And believe me I'm not fine
Honestly, I couldn't bear the thought
If you were not mine
At the end of the day, Kumiko left school with an armful of presents and a pocketful of papers, which the poem was written on. However, she felt that there was more to it even though the day was practically over. She wondered when the person would reveal himself and waited anxiously for what could happen if anything would. She arrived at her home and noticed that no one else was home, not even her father. It was then she noticed a trail of rose petals that lead to her room and into her bathroom. She carefully set all her presents on her bed and went into the bathroom. There she saw a recently prepared bubble bath and more rose petals everywhere. Scented candles were lit and clean towels were on the stand next to the large tub. She closed the door and stripped out of her clothes and put them in the hamper. She slid into the still hot bath and relaxed, propping herself against the side.
After soaking for a good while, she got out and wrapped a towel around herself and went into bedroom. She then noticed a black chiffon like dress that had a single strap on the right and the bottom was angled toward the left. Below the dress on the ground was a pair of strapped black heels. She quickly got dressed and simply left her hair down. She wore the new necklace that she received, a silver armband on her left arm and a simple silver chain bracelet on her right. She stepped out of her room and saw a trail of peonies and followed them. It led to the far end of the house toward a balcony where the doors were open. She let out a small gasp at what she saw. There was a table set for two with every romantic thing possible. Candles, soft lighting, champagne and the full moon coming out for the night. She walked up to the table and saw her name on an envelope. She picked it up and opened it, not knowing someone was behind her. As she was about to read it, someone else read it for her.
"I don't know how to express my love
But know that it is true
So I'll it here with a simple
Aishiteru"
Kumiko froze at the voice behind her. She recognized the voice instantly and turned around. She came face to face with none other than Kai. He was nicely dressed in all black and stood there staring at her with sadness, hope and love in his crimson eyes. Kumiko ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kai accepted the embrace whole-heartedly and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to him tightly. They stayed that way for a long while, not wanting to leave each other. Eventually they let go of each other and Kai led her to her seat and then took his own.
"Everything's beautiful. Arigato Kai-kun," Kumiko complimented to the dual blue haired boy. Just then someone came through the doors and Kumiko was surprised to see Mariah dressed nicely like a waitress. She approached the two with a bright smile.
"Konbanwa. I'm Mariah Qing and I'll be your waitress for this evening. May I please take your order?" Mariah greeted just as if this were a restaurant. She waited expectantly with a notepad and pen out.
"We'll just have the evenings special Qing-san," Kai replied, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Alright then. The master chef himself will be with you shortly," Mariah informed, supposedly writing the order down. She then left the two to themselves.
"So you didn't come up with all this yourself?" Kumiko asked with amusement laced in her voice.
"Actually I did. They just wanted to help," Kai answered with a grin. Kumiko shook her head, holding back a giggle. Then they were joined by the master chef Mariah told them of who happened to be Rei. He was dressed in traditional Chinese clothes and had a twinkle in his golden eyes.
"Konbanwa. I'm Rei Kon, your chef for this evening. I have just finished preparing your meal," Rei greeted with a bow. He then pulled out the cart behind him and pulled out a covered dish and set it before Kumiko and then Kai. "Shall return later with your desserts." With that he gave another bow and left. Kai and Kumiko lifted the covering and began to eat. They began to talk about what was happening while she was gone. Kumiko laughed at hearing about an underclassman fawning over him. When they were done, Rei came back out and replaced their main dish with their dessert, which was the Hiwatari family's favored cake.
"Miko-chan, I have something for you," Kai said after they finished with dessert. Kumiko widened her eyes at hearing that he wanted to give her something. She waited patiently as he started digging in his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet black box and shock appeared on her face the possibility of what could be inside. Kai set it on the table and pushed it toward her. Kumiko tentatively picked it up and slowly opened the box. Her eyes widened considerably at the silver band inside. There was a single diamond embedded where two etched feathers were crossed. She took the ring out and examined it closely and saw that etched on the inside was Kai's full name.
"Kai, wha--" Kumiko began but stopped when Kai took the ring and slipped it onto her left ring finger.
"It's a promise ring. A promise that I will be there for you always and never stop loving you," Kai declared lovingly, locking his eyes with her's. Kumiko's expression softened and she just stared at him with love in her eyes. Distance between them shortened when they shared a kiss that they had longed to do when they broke up. They stayed with each other the whole night, carrying on their reunion in another more private location.
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Well that's it! Action should be coming soon for those that are more into action than fluff. Please review!
Until then, kurai hoshi