Sorry, I'm going to be away for the next couple weeks, so this is nice and long. I hope it tides you over for awhile. Oh, and by the way- I really really messed up my finger at work, actually, I cut part of it off, so I've been having trouble typing. It's taken me about five minutes just to do this little note, so…I didn't edit this chapter whatsoever. Sorry!
Chapter Five Song Complete!
"Sorry I'm late," Mitsuki apologized as she entered.
Takuto didn't do well at hiding his glower before he turned back to Takasu, "As I was saying, I'm not sure a dual tour would be entirely beneficial to you Takasu-san. You'd double your profits if Kouyama-san and I toured separately."
Her jaw nearly fell to the ground.
Takasu looked to be considering, "What do you think Mitsuki?" he asked, turning to her. She couldn't speak; she was stuck, frozen in the doorway like a deer caught in headlights, "I-I-disagree."
"And what would you know about marketing?" Takuto demanded viciously.
"W-well," she stammered, "Very little but-" she continued when Takuto scoffed. "I know that having us tour together will attract members of both the sexes and if we sing in larger venues and add a little to ticket prices we should make more than if we were to tour separately, especially with this song."
Takasu nodded thoughtfully, "I think that about does it for me, let's see this song."
Mitsuki handed the notebook to Takasu who read it over with raised eyebrows, "This is good."
"Thank you," Takuto and Mitsuki mumbled in unison, locking eyes before Mitsuki had to turn away. She knew she shouldn't be ashamed because her lies were necessary, yet shame still burned deep in her heart.
"It's good to see you two are actually getting some work done, and I hope you continue to do so since I'm setting your deadline for finishing by the end of the week."
"What?" both Takuto and Mitsuki jumped forward.
"Mitsuki's new album is coming out at the beginning of next week; you have very little time to rehearse before the tour, especially with Mitsuki having photo shoots and both of you having interviews nearly everyday. And, like I told you before, this song needs to be good. So, end of the week, no ifs ands or buts, have fun," he dismissed them as easily as that, both grumbling unhappily.
"Well I suppose we should get this over with," Takuto nearly growled when they were out of the office.
"Okay," she whispered. "Sure."
He took the notebook from her hands and touched the line she'd written with loving fingers, "I wish I could forget."
Her eyes filled with tears, but his head was down so he continued.
"To be honest Mitsuki, I can't get you out of my head. You're on my mind almost constantly, and I have trouble thinking when you're around. I wanna scream at you but can't. I wanna- Anyway," he changed subjects quickly when he felt the growing tension, "you're welcome anytime; you know that."
"Am I?" she inquired in a timid whisper.
"You know you are, and- I'm sorry; I wouldn't have actually gone through with it you know."
"Maybe it would have been better for both of us if you had," she mumbled.
"Then why didn't you let me do it?" he almost snarled at her.
"B-because- I couldn't. This is hurting me too you know! You want me to remember myself? Well, here it is- I'm hurting too!"
"At least you know what it is!"
"You do too-somewhere," she recoiled from the blow inflicted by his words.
"Mitsuki Kouyama, shut up right now," Izumi ordered, and she slammed her jaw shut.
"And you can't remind me?"
She shook her head fiercely, "You have to find yourself for yourself-just like the rest of us," she responded. "Or not at all."
"This is possibly the strangest month in my life," he muttered, forcing Mitsuki to hide a smile and think to herself, I know you've had stranger.
"I have to meet Arinori, but I'll be over in a couple hours if I hurry."
He nodded, "Okay."
"Oh, and Takuto?"
He looked up at her, "Yes?"
"You still owe my grandmother a dinner," she winked and skipped out, laughing to herself.
§§§
"What are you doing?" Mitsuki demanded when she found Takuto cutting a hole in his door.
"Installing a kitty door," he answered, standing up to admire his work, "A little lopsided, but it'll do."
"Why though?"
"Well, Ryuu's being naughty," he joked. "She just keeps finding more and more creative ways to get out. I guess it's about time. I don't know how she does it actually, but, it's getting nippy, let's go and get started."
She agreed, and he opened the door for her to head in.
Once they were sitting down, Takuto sighed and looked over the song. Something struck him that made him grin and made Mitsuki eye him wearily. She resisted giving him her pen until he gave her puppy dog eyes, and she was forced to relent. Flaunting the pen triumphantly, he turned his head back to the paper, adding a quick- Repeat chorus.
She glared and smacked him, jumping for the pen in his hand, "That doesn't count!"
"Oh it does so!" he fell away from her grasping hands as they wrestled for a few minutes until Mitsuki's hand finally fell over Takuto's and they both realized the position they were in. Mitsuki was underneath Takuto, both their legs were interlocked, and their heads were inches apart.
"Wow," he whispered softly, pushing back her bangs and smiling down at her, "You have incredible eyes."
She blushed and sat up, "Thanks, but-uh-that still doesn't count."
He nodded, "Yes it does."
"That's not fair!" she whined angrily.
"Aw…here, give me that, I'll write," he tried to snatch it away, but she protected both book and pen against her chest.
"Nope, sorry, you lost your chance."
"No, seriously Mitsuki, I'll write," he held out his hands, but she quickly jotted down- You treat me like a lady, then promptly stuck her tongue out at him, "I win."
He laughed when she handed it back to him and nodded, "I suppose you do." - I know you're just a friend.
"You think that you can tame me?" she whispered in his ear, then pointed to the paper. He shook his head at her and easily added his own line beneath hers - But I'll be wild 'till the end.
She smiled and backed away from him.
"Do I know you or what?" he challenged, and she rolled her eyes.
"Not yet."
"Well, you seem to have me down," he admitted. "Sometimes I think you know more about me than I do."
She stole the notebook from him teasingly, but it was more to avoid the statement than to tease. You say you've got me figured.
He crawled behind her and traced his words with her hand - Say you know my ways.
She knocked him back to add- But honey I assure you.
His eyes sobered - You haven't seen some days.
More than you know Takuto, more than you know, she commented silently.
"Did you ever wish people could see you when you're alone?" he asked suddenly, setting both pen and paper down.
"Sometimes, I wish people could see me at my weakest, so they wouldn't be as hard on me. But then, I remember that everyone has their hurdles, and mine are no more challenging than anyone else's, and I have to stay strong."
"I know what you mean, but- sometimes, I wish someone could see me at my strongest. I know that you would- I mean," he stopped. "I honestly don't know what I mean actually."
They both laughed, then let a warm silence fill the room until Mitsuki sighed and spoke, "Man," she leaned backwards into the couch as she spoke, "I haven't laughed so hard in a long time since…well…a long time."
He smiled, "You should always smile Mitsuki-chan."
She blushed at the added affection and changed her position, so she was upside down, her feet hanging off the top of the couch and her head dangling near the floor with her thick brown hair providing a stark contrast to his white carpet.
For a second, he imagined her with blond hair but that same seductive smile, "You've never dyed your hair have you?"
She looked at him from her position and waited a few seconds, "Once, but it made me into someone I wasn't," she replied.
"Because you would look just like Full Moon if you did."
"Takuto-you don't know what Full Moon looks like," Mitsuki whispered softly, and his eyes widened when he realized she was right.
"I-it's-that's what I've heard."
She left it at that and sat back up, a little dizzy from the blood rushing out of her head, "I've thought of my next line," she told him, picking the notebook off the table and writing- You're the depth of the sea.
He nodded approvingly, tapping his head jokingly and making her laugh. While she was, he took the liberty of adding - The apple of my eye.
She scolded him for cliches, coloring from the compliment all the same, then added - You've been trying to show me.
His eyes met hers, there were so many things he wanted her to learn, but the most important seemed to be - How just not to cry.
Both nodded and simultaneously chorused, "Repeat chorus."
"And that's a wrap," Takuto sighed, sitting back.
"I guess so," Mitsuki whispered, holding back tears.
"Thank God."
"Yeah," she muttered.
"What's wrong?" he inquired worriedly.
"Oh nothing just-shocked," it wasn't a complete lie. But really, she feared not seeing him anymore, it never being the same.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I never thought we'd finish," he laughed, Ryuu hopping onto his lap. "Guess you found the door."
The kitten meowed her response, and Mitsuki giggled.
"She's so smart," Takuto complimented the kitten, scratching her chin gently, "Sometimes I swear she understand me."
Mitsuki smiled and watched the two, completely content at least for that moment in time. If only things could always be this simple…
§§§
"Your new album comes out in a few days," Arinori smiled that same dashing smile that Mitsuki could still not get used to.
She nodded, "And then we leave for our tour."
"I guess you're not going to be able to see Takuto Kira so often then," he muttered.
"Guess not," she sighed and turned back to her English, still frustrated with the whole situation.
"Aw Mitsuki, are you sad?" Izumi taunted, and she and Arinori looked up. She glared at him viciously and tried to ignore him. Before she turned back down, she saw Izumi glaring heatedly at Arinori who was staring right at the Shinigami. She dropped her pencil and stood quickly, putting a hand to her mouth.
"Mitsuki?" Arinori questioned, "You okay?"
"You can see him," she mumbled through her hand.
"See who?" he laughed nervously.
"Who are you?" she demanded. "What are you?"
It all fell into place. Arinori kissing her, his looking up when Izumi spoke; Izumi's absence most of the times he was around. And then…Ryuu's sudden appearances and disappearances, her uncanny ability to get between she and Takuto. There had been something Mitsuki overlooked, a very important something- Shingamis came in pairs of two, "Jonathan," she choked. Almost the second she uttered his name, Arinori melted away to reveal a ghost, who took a spot at Izumi's side. She blinked hard; trying to keep her eyes focused as Izumi berated his partner for stupidity. She tried desperately to think of anything that she'd told her mentor that Jonathan could use against her. Coming up with nothing but her lack of knowledge, she sighed and came back to reality. Her first thought was that she had to get Takuto a new kitten. That thought in mind, she headed out, leaving the arguing Izumi and Jonathan behind her.
§§§
"I was in the area, on my way to the studio when I found a familiar face," Mitsuki told Takuto as she handed him the kitten.
"Ryuu!" he cooed, "I was getting worried. You wanna come in?" he addressed this to Mitsuki, but she shook her head.
"I have a photo shoot ten minutes ago."
"Well, I'll take you, hold on."
"N-" but before she could protest, he'd set Ryuu inside, grabbed his keys, and locked his door. "Okay, thanks."
"So, what's going on? I haven't seen you in a few days."
"Well, my album's coming out in three days," she laughed, and he nodded.
"That I was well aware of," he looked before he pulled onto the highway.
"And until then, it's photo shoots and interviews and more interviews."
"We have two of them together next week."
She nodded, acting calmer than she felt. Jonathan! How could she overlook that? "What about you?"
"Doing a lot of writing, rehearsing with the band, you know, the usual."
"It's exhausting."
"But worth it."
She quickly agreed, but a faint noise from the radio made her smile, "I love this song."
"Turn it up," he instructed, and she did so. "Oh wow, this is Full Moon isn't it?"
She nodded, "Like it?"
"I-" when his ears tuned into the song, his heart began to soar. "It's beautiful."
Mitsuki sat back and let him listen:
"Doushite doushite suki nan darou -Why oh why do I love you so much?
Konna ni namida afureteru - My tears overflow this much
Ano koro ha ushinau mono ga oosukite nani mo utaenakatta - Back in that time, there was so much to lose that I couldn't sing anything
Sukoshi hanareta basho soko ga watashi no ibasho datta - A place just a little ways away--That was where I was
Kimi no hitomi no oku ni ano hi samishisa wo mitsuketa - That day, deep in your eyes, I saw the loneliness
Futari niteru no kana? - Are the two of us really alike?
Fuu - Wind
Kitsukeba itsu mo tonari ni ite kureta - If I'd realized it, you were always by my side
Doushite konna ni suki nan darou - Why do I love you so much?
Kimi no koe kanshii hodo hibiiteru yo -Your voice rings inside me so much it makes me sad
Ima made nani ga sasae datta ka - Just what it was that supported me so much
Tooku hanarete wakatta yo - From afar, I realize it now
Nakinagara sagashi tsuduketa maigo no kodomo no you ni - Like a lost child, crying and searching
Kedo soko ni ha eien nante aru wake nakute - But there was no such thing as forever
"Dare ni mo shinjinakereba iin da yo" tsubuyaita ne - "It's okay if you don't believe in anyone" you whispered
Futari niteru no kana? - Were the two of us really alike?
Fuu - Wind
Ano toki kimi wo mamoru to kimeta no ni - And I decided then I would protect you
Doushite konna ni suki nan darou - Why can't I turn them to memories
Toosugite chikasugite todokanai yo - You're too far, too near for me to reach
"Wasureyou" tte omoeba omou hodo - The more I tell myself "I will forget"
Kimi ga ookiku natteku yo - The larger you loom in my thoughts
Doushite konna ni suki nan darou - Why do I love you so much?
Kimi no koe kanshii hodo hibiiteru yo - Your voice rings (inside me) so much it makes me sad
Ima made nani ga sasae datta ka - Just what it was that supported me so much
Tooku hanarete wakatta yo - I realize it now from afar
Doushite konna ni suki nan darou - Why do I love you so much?
Kantan sugite kotae ni naranai - It's so easy I just can't answer
His heart opened to the song and images poured through. The same little girl singing the same song in a quiet voice, almost inaudible. Then, there was the girl with Mitsuki's same haunting eyes but with golden hair singing the song with all her soul, sending a message to someone. He could almost see himself in the background, crumbling with her every word.
"That was 'Myself', by Full Moon," the D.J. ended the visions and made him realize they were at the studio and Mitsuki was watching him with gentle, almost hopeful eyes.
"Very talented," he mumbled in a hoarse voice.
Her face seemed to fall as she nodded, "She is. Do you wanna come in for part of my shoot?"
He smiled and agreed, "Sure, that'd be cool."
They got out but were stopped just inside the door, "Mitsuki!"
"Eitoku?" she asked unbelievingly, and Takuto's eyes narrowed- was this him? "What are you doing here?"
"I heard you would be around and your manager saw me and let me through," he explained. "I've really missed you."
"You-"
"Who are you?" Takuto demanded hotly.
"I'm Eitoku, Mitsuki's boyfriend," he offered a hand, which Takuto took, stiffly.
"I wasn't aware she had one," he muttered, clearly displeased.
"It's because I don't; he's just a friend from school. Eitoku, did someone put you up to this?" Mitsuki rushed to explain.
The boy shook his head, "I just missed you Mitsuki- we never see or speak to each other anymore. I know you're busy but-"
"Mitsuki, I'm just gonna go."
"No, Takuto, don't," she begged, halting his exit. "Eitoku, I'm sorry we've been distant, but you can't tell people I'm your girlfriend."
"Can't tell the truth?" his outburst attracted eyes, and they both understood at the same second.
"Back off," Takuto warned in a low growl. "You're not going to find the limelight that way."
"So you have someone new to tease Mitsuki?" he shouted harshly. "Well, I've got news for you Kira," he hissed. "Mitsuki's never had a boyfriend in her life! She's just going to tease you and lead you on then leave you and find someone new to play with."
"How would you know that?" Takuto's fists were clenched tightly; Mitsuki's eyes were as wide as saucers as Eitoku tore her apart in front of dozens of her colleagues.
"Oh, everyone knows," he laughed smugly. "You'll see," he added before he sauntered out.
"Mitsuki! There you are! Where have you been?" Ooshige questioned as she surged forward.
"We-I-"
"Just come on," Ooshige pushed her forward.
"I'll meet you there!" Takuto called after them as they hurried off, Mitsuki giving him a last fleeting glance that screamed, 'Save me!' and made him laugh.
§§§
She smiled beautifully as she posed innocently, but Takuto's head was pounding. Her gown was pure white, and they had huge, feathery wings on her. It was the wings that struck him first. He remembered a beautiful, entrancing melody and that blond angel with wings, real wings, feathers flying all around her, a moon sparkling in the back. His stomach turned guiltily, who was that girl and why was she haunting his vision? Somehow, she was a part of his past, the past he'd realized he'd lost somewhere. Yet, she wasn't the girl in his future. He wouldn't do that to Mitsuki! Still, Mitsuki wasn't his so…No!
She finished and bounded up to him, smiling widely, "What do you think?"
"You looked beautiful."
She made a face at that, "They want me to be Full Moon, but that's not who I am any-"
He raised his eyebrows as she bit her tongue.
"Anyway," she quickly fixed, "let's get out of here."
"Mitsuki-chan!" Ooshige grabbed her arms. "Takasu has gotten your band; you have to go and start rehearsing now."
Mitsuki looked back at Takuto, and he shook his head, grinning at her, "It's about time I start doing that too. I'll see you at rehearsal in a couple days."
"K," was all she was she was able to say before Ooshige whisked her away.
§§§
"We're thinking of the same thing."
"At the same time."
"We're thinking of the same song."
"With the same rhyme."
"We're wishing on the same star."
"In the same sky."
"We're opening the same scar."
"With the same lie."
"The same time."
"The same rhyme."
"The same sky."
"The same lie."
"The same sky…"
"The same rhyme," they mumbled the last verse in unison, staring at one another with wide smiles.
"That was awesome!" Ooshige squealed.
Takasu nodded approvingly, "But…is there anyway we could get you two to be more visual? Don't be afraid to improve with your vocals either, and don't be afraid to play with your movements."
The two eyed each other nervously and agreed hesitantly. Neither knew precisely what that meant, but neither was about to ask.
"It sounds good though guys, keep it up," he encouraged, exiting with Ooshige on his heels.
"She's so worried about-" Mitsuki stopped, "the tour."
"She shouldn't be; it's going to be great. I mean, how can it not be?" he joked.
"Arrogance," she chided, knowing he was joking. Everyday they came closer to the beginning of the tour they grew more and more anxious.
"Oh my God!" Ooshige screamed as she reentered. "We have to be at the record store in ten minutes for your album's debut!"
Mitsuki's jaw dropped, her legs locked.
"Don't just stand there! Move it!"
Mitsuki only needed that gentle reminder before she took off after Ooshige.
Once on the road, Mitsuki began to seriously doubt her decision to get into a car with Ooshige as the driver. Her hands clutching the seat tightly, she watched in terror as the scenery whizzed by her, "O-ooshige, y-you can slow down," Mitsuki suggested weakly.
"We have to be on time," Ooshige answered, slamming her brakes just in time for a red light, throwing Mitsuki forward so hard she was sure she would suffer from whiplash.
The car revved angrily the minute the light turned green, and Mitsuki barely had time to gulp before they sped off once more.
When the journey had finally ended, Mitsuki realized Ooshige'd turned a twenty minute drive into a seven minute one, and the three minutes of leeway she had was strangely discomforting.
Ooshige pulled around back, passing a seemingly endless crowd of people lined up outside the store awaiting Mitsuki's record, "Well, I guess your album is going to sell," Ooshige seemed to be talking to herself, so she didn't respond.
Mitsuki should have been used to it, as Full Moon the sea of people had seemed just as endless and even her first album as Mitsuki Kouyama had been a huge success, but every time it was a surprise. Something in her would not allow her to believe all these people were here to see her.
Ooshige parked and turned to Mitsuki, giving them both time to collect themselves, "Ready?"
"Yup!" Mitsuki smiled brightly, and Ooshige gave her a quick hug before they exited the car and entered the store.
"Miss Kouyama, it's an honor," the storeowner greeted her cordially. "And Miss Ooshige- it's a pleasure to finally have a pretty face to add to that pretty voice."
Ooshige laughed and thanked him before they got down to business and got Mitsuki set up. She was stationed at a small table in the center of the store with three tough looking fellows on all sides, just in case. Ooshige came to stand beside her while she took a deep breath, gave the okay to the owner, and instructed him to unleash the swarms of fans that rolled in to meet her.
And hour later, Mitsuki's hand was cramping but the line didn't seem to be shrinking. Jeez, Mitsuki thought absently, if Takuto has as many fans we're not going to be able to fit them all in the same place at the same time.
Right on time, a voice called from the back of the store, "Mitsuki!"
Mitsuki looked up from the girl's album she was signing to smile warmly, "Takuto, what are you doing here?"
As he made his way to her, he removed his glasses and hat, which met him with high pitched squeals of, "Takuto! Takuto!"
He waved to them but turned and smiled at Mitsuki. She couldn't help but feel smug that his smile was only for her, "We finished early and though I'd come and see how you were getting along."
"Excuse me Kira-san, will you sign my record too?" a little girl asked Takuto shyly, and he nodded and took the pen from her, while Mitsuki watched him with a delighted smile.
Of course, this was closely followed by a chorus of, "Mine too!"
Ooshige frowned at him, "Neither Takasu nor Omori will be pleased."
Takuto laughed it off, "Takasu is too scared I'll quit to fire me and Omori is my friend before my manager; he'll get over it."
But all it took was three more love struck fans to scare him off, "Looks like I'm stealing your show Mitsuki-chan," he teased.
She rolled her eyes jokingly, "You wish."
"Besides," he added hastily, eyeing the crowd warily, "I'm off-duty. But, I still owe your grandmother a dinner don't I?"
Mitsuki blinked, stunned he'd remember, then nodded.
"Well, I'm free…tonight."
"I'll talk to oba-chan and call you, but you're breaking my fans' hearts, get out of here," she ordered, and he held up his hands, making his retreat. He was followed all the way by screams and helpless sighs that made Mitsuki laugh inwardly. Takuto was hers, but each and everyone of these girls had someone waiting for them. That was her message, and with that thought in mind, she turned back to her autographs.
§§§
"So you're a musician," her grandmother was interrogating Takuto.
He nodded, finishing his bite, "Yes ma'am."
"And what kind of music do you perform?"
"Mostly rock and alternative rock," he responded. "Same as-"
Mitsuki shook her head once, quickly, and Takuto stopped.
"Yes?" her grandmother raised her brows.
"Just like a lot of singers these days," his quick fix rewarded him with a slight smile from Mitsuki over her rice bowl.
"And besides music, what do you do?" she persisted.
"Well, as I'm sure you know, as musicians, our schedules are very busy, but I suppose I like to do what everyone my age likes to do- be with friends, listen to music, go out and have fun, oh, and I have a kitten, Ryuu, she's an attention hog."
Mitsuki and Tanaka's smiles made up for her grandmother's stony in glare in Takuto's opinion- sorta.
"Have you gotten an education?" she continued.
He nodded, "I finished my schooling just before the coma."
"The coma?" Tanaka stopped him, and Mitsuki knew her grandmother would have scolded except for the fact that she was interested as well. No one but Mitsuki or Tanaka would have guessed, but she was just as curious.
"Well," Takuto lowered his eyes, "I was the lead singer of-" his split-second glance at Mitsuki made him stop once more, "this band. That was when I was diagnosed with throat cancer, same as Mitsuki. Only, at the time, there was no magic procedure, it was either I never sang again or I died. Both seemed the same at the time, so I went for a final ride on my bike. I woke up a year and some months later, got the new procedure, and here I am."
"Reckless," Mitsuki's grandmother chided.
"Well, all I had was dead or gone, my voice was my life, so…it wasn't the right choice, but something in me wouldn't change it," he responded resiliently, and Mitsuki smiled. She wouldn't change it either.
A long awkward silence filled the room, in which Mitsuki and Tanaka watched her grandmother anxiously, knowing she was weighing Takuto.
Either, he didn't sense it, or he was trying to avoid it, because he turned to Tanaka when the silence became oppressive, "This food is delicious, better than any four start restaurant."
Tanaka beamed proudly and was discussing her recipe when Mitsuki's grandmother began to speak, ending all conversation, "Mitsuki-chan, though he is reckless, I approve."
"T-thank you," was all Mitsuki was able to stammer before her grandmother stood and left the table.
"Kouyama-sama?" Tanaka inquired, but was met with no response.
"Was it something I said?" Takuto asked, causing both Mitsuki and Tanaka to laugh and shake their heads, trying to explain in as few words as possible, which ended up being quite a few.
§§§
"Man," Takuto sighed as Mitsuki shut her door and looked up at the night sky. "Your grandmother is sure a piece of work."
She giggled and nodded, "She is, but she's helped me through a lot. I would still be in that orphanage if it wasn't for her."
"Orphanage?" his eyes filled with concern.
"Yeah, I lived there for awhile after my parents died until oba-chan decided to take me in," Mitsuki explained.
"That must have been hard on you; your own grandmother letting you go to an orphanage," he whispered sympathetically.
"Nah," she laughed and shook her head. "If not for that I'd never have met- never mind." Eichi… her mind finished. "It was a long time ago."
His hand brushed against her neck as he cupped her face in his strong hands, pulling her eyes into his, "You are such an incredible girl Mitsuki Kouyama, the best I've ever known."
She wanted to look away, but his hold wouldn't allow it. Yet, she didn't hesitate when he leaned in.
"Mitsuki- I think you might wanna find Izumi," Jonathan informed her from across the yard, causing her to jump back from Takuto.
"Ooshige-san," she whispered.
"What?" Takuto snapped; somewhere between annoyed and concerned.
"She's in trouble, I have to get to her," the sheer terror in her eyes made his annoyance fade to concern.
"Okay, let's go."
§§§
"Ooshige-san!" Mitsuki cried as she entered the apartment, only to find her manager bound and gagged on her living room floor. "Who did this to you, are you all right?" she questioned as she removed the gag and untied her.
"I'm fine, but Wakaouji is hurt is hurt badly in the other room," Ooshige answered, fear in her eyes.
"Wakaouji?" Takuto's eyes widened as he rushed to the bedroom.
"Who did this?" Mitsuki repeated even though she was sure she knew.
"A Shinigami, it had to have been," Ooshige answered in a low voice, "It had to have been; we didn't see the attacker."
Mitsuki took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "Izumi."
"Mitsuki!" Takuto shouted from the other room, "Call an ambulance quickly! He's losing too much blood!"
Mitsuki sprang up and dashed to the phone. Within ten minutes there were police and medics on the scene.
"What happened ma'am?" the sergeant asked Ooshige as they watched Wakaouji be carried into the ambulance.
"There were two burglars dressed in black. They hit me and that's all I remember," Ooshige lied.
"And by burglars she means me," Izumi taunted.
Mitsuki's fists and jaw clenched tightly but there was nothing she could do or say to the Shinigami then.
"Don't worry ma'am; we'll get to the bottom of this," the sergeant assured Ooshige, who nodded weakly and thanked him.
"Funny burglars," Takuto mumbled to himself, "not to take anything."
"Probably didn't have time with you and Mitsuki getting here as quickly as you did," Ooshige was terrified, and it turned Mitsuki's stomach to see her covering for Izumi like that.
"Lucky Mitsuki knew something was wrong, guess we've got a psychic on our hands now," Takuto attempted weakly. The other two managed small smiles before Ooshige headed to the hospital, giving Mitsuki instructions for the next day's interviews and telling her to call or ask Omori if she had any questions.
Mitsuki gave her as cheerful a farewell as she could muster, promising to go see Wakaouji as soon as she could. Ooshige, satisfied, headed out.
Takuto put a hand on Mitsuki's shoulder, "Let's get you home."
She nodded numbly; she had to stop. Takuto could never be allowed to remember, never, not now.