Standard disclaimers apply. I don't own Namie Amuro's "White Light"!
A/N: Finally. The date. Credits to Yoshinoya, which gave me inspiration, and Crewel, for your wonderful suggestions! Arigatou ne! This date will be Sayo-less and Kanryuu-less! Extra long to make up for the slow update!
Chapter 6: Under the White Light
Megumi woke up to beautiful rays of sunshine peeping through the blinds in Sanosuke's room, their bright golden hue brightening up the interior and also her heart. It is Sunday morning. But not just any other ordinary morning. It was also Christmas Eve…with approximately another week to go when she'll meet Kanryuu at Tokyo Tower.
Kirei da ne…Megumi thought as she sat up straight in the bed, stretching her arms as far out as she could to chase the sleepiness left in her body.
She never had a chance to really appreciate her surroundings; back in Fukushima, she lived on a tight routine, her life being so monotonous to the extent that she never ever stopped for a while to appreciate, to see or to remember anything. Maybe that is why her life, despite having everything she dreamed for, seemed like it was missing a piece of the puzzle. She thought she had all the pieces, but somehow they did not fit. Maybe its Fate's own way of telling her that she was holding on to a wrong piece, and should replace it with the right one, but being stubborn as she was, Megumi wasn't about to admit her misjudgement.
She found a new piece of puzzle. Yet she wasn't exactly sure if she should pick it up…though she sure was tempted to.
The new piece seemed as if it might fit. But every time she actually wanted to go nearer and inspect, guilt comes into the picture and she clutches even tighter onto the old piece. Nonetheless, her hand always reaches out to the new piece again.
Novelty, she attempted to convince herself, will not last for long.
It is fleeting.
If you dump the old for the new, you will regret it, Megumi. It's like eating at Yoshinoya…You try the new teishoku they have every now and then, but eventually you always go back to the good old gyudon.
She was trying something new today. Whether it will grow on her and replace the gyudon was completely up to Fate.
She didn't like admitting it, but the idea of trying something new both excited and scared her. What if it turned out bad, not at all she had anticipated it to be? Or what if it turned out so good, she gives up the gyudon totally? She wasn't sure which one she preferred.
But for now, she'll try.
What harm can a little bite do?
She sure wasn't expecting the sly little answer that followed her thought.
Just don't get addicted, Megumi.
Dressing up for the date was out of the question, for Megumi's luggage bag was still nowhere to be found. Making do with whatever she had left in her handbag, Megumi couldn't even manage to put on decent makeup. The rain the other day had found its way into her bag and into her 2-way pressed powder foundation.
Thankfully, her clothes were now dried from the previous day's downpour; there was no way Megumi can wear Sanosuke's clothes out onto the streets.
Some kind of date…Megumi thought to herself, sighing in disappointment. Why of all times do I have to lose my luggage now? He even knows what I am going to wear!
Running her fingers through her straight black hair, she studied her reflection for what seemed like the millionth time that morning. Is it just me, or does my hair look less glossy? What about my skirt…it has this crease here…
Chotto matte. You're going ballistic, Megumi.
This is Sagara Sanosuke. He has seen you with your morning tousled hair, he has seen you brushing your teeth, he has seen you prop your feet on the coffee table while watching TV. Why worry about being beautiful now?
Assuring herself with a final nod at her reflection, Megumi exited Sanosuke's room slowly, poking her head out around the corner to check if he was in the living room.
But there was no one. The apartment was totally empty, without a single sound. So quiet, she could hear her feet shuffling along the linoleum tiled floor.
"Sanosuke?" She asked softly, as if afraid to break the dense silence. "Are you there?"
No reply.
She explored the empty living room as if it was an uncharted territory, searching slowly while her heart felt like it was being gradually squeezed.
Relief flooded her when she found a Yoshinoya plastic bag on the dining table and a hastily scribbled note beside it.
Megitsune:
Here's your breakfast. Reckoned it was kinda weird if we exit the house together later on…I'll be at the train station at 12. Soko de machiawase.
Sano
Smiling to herself at this surprising act of thoughtfulness that contrasted his exterior, Megumi opened up the plastic bag, peering in at her breakfast.
It was Yoshinoya's new product – buta kimuchi don.
She had expected the gyudon…but after finishing breakfast, Megumi found herself wanting more of the buta kimuchi don. It was a bit too spicy for her to take, but she still wanted to eat it again. There's just something about the aftertaste that lingered in her mouth after the initial spiciness has passed…It is this warm, comforting feeling that left her craving for the next bite.
Too much of a coincidence…especially when a while ago, Megumi was still contemplating over the Takeda Kanryuu, the safe, reliable gyudon that could never go wrong, versus Sagara Sanosuke, the hot, unpredictable buta kimuchi don.
Maybe it is just her palate…maybe it is her heart.
But he said…No strings attached. 'How can there be?', He said.
There can't be, right?
Sagara Sanosuke leaned against the pillar at the Hamamatsu-cho train station, his fingers absentmindedly fiddling with the JR train tickets to Ebisu in his pocket. It was yet another cold winter morning, and it was Christmas Eve.
Christmas for Sanosuke held no meaning, except that it was a public holiday and also a time where buildings, trees and many other things get beautifully-decorated. There was no one to celebrate it with, and being brought up in a Buddhist environment, Sanosuke found himself not having any reason to rejoice over the special day known as Christmas. Christmas every year usually meant going over to Katsu's place, exchanging little gifts, drinking to his heart's content and having dinner prepared by Tae.
This year will be different.
He didn't know what possessed him to ask her out on a date. She's about to get married and has a boyfriend somewhere out here in Tokyo. It would be like a game of snakes and ladders. Sanosuke chose to climb the ladder, but it wouldn't be before long when he slides down the snake all the way back to square one. Megumi would have ended the game by then.
But he didn't care so much. He only knew that he wanted to go out with her. He put effort into planning for this date…no matter what was going to come out of it, he was going to make sure that she enjoyed herself.
Maybe it's just a phase…He used to like Risa, Miho, Akane and many other girls he met at Pachinko arcades, clubs and along the streets of Harajuku. They dated, they had fun, they got intimate, and after that, it was goodbye. He didn't feel a sense of loss at all. Until he met Sayo. They did not even date, but the mere fact that she rejected him was enough to make the loss hurt until now.
Sayo…He thought of her sweet, soft voice, her smile and wave when he delivered lunch to the company she worked at, and the way her brown curls framed her innocent face…
"Sanosuke!"
Looking up, he saw Megumi standing in front of him.
Even in the same old outfit since he first met her, she looked great, with the cold wind whipping her long ebony tresses back.
Kirei…
"Omatase shichai mashita."
Shaking his head, he pulled out the two tickets to Ebisu and handed her one. "Ikou ka?"
Megumi smiled, took her ticket from him and walking side by side, the two of them started out on what would be their first date, on a special day known as Christmas Eve.
Megumi held on to the handlebars in the train as the surroundings sped past her, a myriad of colours and Christmas decorations amidst the concrete jungle. Unlike her previous unpleasant experience with the JR subway, this was a totally different experience, with Sanosuke standing beside her. He was so close to her, she could feel his soft steady breath brush across her forehead gently every now and then.
"Ebisu. The doors on the right will be opening. Ebisu."
"We've reached, Megumi."
Nodding, she followed closely behind him as they exited the train onto the platforms of Ebisu train station, his larger frame paving out a comfortable path for her through the weekend crowds on the train.
From the east exit of the JR train station, they began walking towards Yebisu Garden Place, along the elevated covered moving walkway known as the Yebisu Skywalk.
Sanosuke couldn't help but notice how Megumi looked around in wonder at the beautifully decorated urban redevelopment area, little gasps of wonder escaping her lips occasionally as more and more of Yebisu Garden Place came into view.
Stepping off the moving walkway, they made their way down a wide slope with flowing water running happily down along the sides, reaching the main square. Yebisu Garden Place was nothing Megumi had ever seen. Back in Fukushima, such places were unheard of. Sure, there were the usual shopping malls and all, but they are nothing compared to this famous date spot of Tokyo. Exquisite departmental stores lined the place, along with Christmas trees and decorations adding a tasteful festive touch to the luxurious urban paradise that was Yebisu Garden Place. The European-style architecture made Megumi feel even more detached from the harsh pace of daily life, feeling as if she can throw everything away on this one special day and enjoy herself without restrictions. It was just as if she was in a dreamy, bizarre time travel state.
"Arigatou ne, Sanosuke."
"What are you thanking me for?" He asked, puzzlement creeping onto his face.
"For bringing me here. It's amazing."
"There's more to come, Megumi." He smiled, noticing how she blushed at that, her eyes fixed on the running water along the slope. Reaching out, he held her hand in his, feeling her long slender fingers go rigid with the initial shock before relaxing in his grasp, marvelling at the way her hand fitted his so well.
"We are on a date, remember?"
"Hai," Megumi answered, slightly flustered at the contact that seemed so innocent yet felt so special, sending tingles along her fingers from the very tips to her mind. Her cold fingers pressed themselves to Sanosuke's larger, warm hand, appreciating the comfort they gave. "It is all…all for fun."
She wanted to hit herself when she saw the smile disappear from his handsome face, only to get replaced by a larger smile that blatantly screamed otherwise. "Sou…It's all for fun. Let's get going, Megitsune. My nose is freezing."
"Bakatori, what makes you think I am not freezing?" Megumi retorted, squeezing Sanosuke's hand, suddenly getting the feeling as if others' eyes were on them, or more specifically, on their hands. "Hayaku ikou yo!"
With that, they walked along, hands entwined like any other couple strolling along Yebisu Garden Place, except that it was light, casual squabbling that made up most of their conversations.
Time sure flies when one is having fun, Megumi smiled wistfully as she and Sanosuke sat by the glass window in a restaurant named Asahi-zushi, located on the 38th storey of Yebisu Garden Place Tower. He was buying her dinner, as 'part of the date', or so he called it.
The breath-taking night view and the fun she had with Sanosuke earlier on while shopping and sightseeing was making Megumi will time to pass slowly.
For all the previous 5 hours of her date, Megumi was constantly amazed at how relaxed she was, how unrestricted she felt when they were having fun. Shopping at Yebisu Garden Place's Glass Square was a whole new experience; visiting shop after shop, trying out clothes, checking out furniture and taking turns to guess which are the ones that the other would choose. There were embarrassing moments as well, when most shopkeepers mistook them for a couple, but since it was supposed to be a date, both did not make it a point to correct the mistake. Perhaps they did not wish to.
She felt so happy, so alive, she didn't even mind when Sanosuke got her to model for him this beautiful white trench coat, which he bought immediately after, explaining that it was Katsu who needed him to help get a Christmas gift for Tae. He even tried to give opinions when she purchased underwear.
As they awaited the arrival of their sushi, Megumi noticed Sanosuke looking at her, his warm brown eyes fixed directly on her face.
"What are you looking at me for?" She asked, her mouth slightly curled up in a half-smile as she awaited his answer. "Kao ni nani ga tsuiteruno?"
"Tsuitenai," Sanosuke replied. "Tada kirei da, kyou wa."
Megumi looked down at her glass of water bashfully, swirling the half-full cup gently and smiling in amusement and joy derived from embarrassment.
"I am wearing the same old thing."
Sanosuke smiled and shook his head, looking out of the glass and admiring the magnificent Christmas night view of Yebisu Garden Place and the glittering city lights. You know you're attracted to her, Sagara. But so what? She's someone else's.
"It's different. You're wearing something else today."
Puzzled, she pressed on. "What is it? I am sure I am not wearing anything new."
"You're wearing an expression of joy, Megumi."
His words proved to be exactly what she had in her mind. It has been a long time since she freed herself of the imaginary chains and let her heart know what joy was.
She paused, not knowing whether to say what she was thinking, but she before she could open her mouth to say anything, the waitress appeared at their table with plates of high-class Edomae nigiri sushi and fugu sashimi, the winter special dish. Looking at the dished one by one as the waitress placed them on the table; Megumi knew it wasn't exactly a regular-priced dinner. This was too expensive, and she was certain that working at Akabeko couldn't possibly earn Sanosuke a paycheck that gave him the liberty to dine at restaurants like this as he wishes.
As soon as the waitress left, Megumi started in a whisper, "Sano, this is-"
"I know what you're about to say. Just enjoy yourself, OK?" Sanosuke interrupted softly but firmly, noticing her expression that clearly spelt out to him that she wasn't very convinced. Pointing to his pocket, he asked cheekily. "I have a budget of more than 10,000 yen. You wanna check?"
"Sanosuke-"
"Megitsune, don't make me call you Obaasan."
He knew that move worked when Megumi's eyes narrowed and she stepped on his foot underneath the table, eliciting a small yelp of pain from him which earned him several stares.
"Try calling me that, you hentai baka jiji!"
"Obaasan!"
"You're asking for it, tori!"
"Kechi onna!"
"Who are you calling kechi!"
"Damatte, kutte yo!"
"What type of language is that!"
"Nihongo, Obaasan!"
"Why, you stupi-"
Their argument was cut short when laughter came from the sweet-looking girl with bluish black hair in a high ponytail from the table beside theirs, while her redhead boyfriend tried desperately to shush her. The sudden return to the original quiet state of the restaurant left the two speechless as they cast glares at each other.
"Naka ga ii na, futari tomo...Ne?" She turned to her boyfriend after smiling somewhat apologetically at Sanosuke and Megumi, both wearing an expression of a child getting caught sneaking cookies from the jar.
"Don't embarrass them anymore." Her boyfriend chided softly, bowing in apology to Sanosuke and Megumi.
"See how you embarrassed me?" Megumi whispered fiercely, making sure that no one else could hear. "Now they-"
Megumi was cut off as a piece of fugu sashimi was placed into her mouth, a muffled gasp of surprise escaping her partially parted lips.
"Just eat," Sanosuke regarded her with a mock stern look before his tone softened. "I'll be fine. I just want you to have a good dinner…Is that something worth arguing over?"
Megumi's eyes gave him a soft, reproaching look as she chewed on the fugu slice, its fresh aroma and slightly oily aftertaste leaving her palate highly satisfied.
"Oishii darou?"
She reluctantly nodded, earning a smile from him. "Eat more then."
As they ate, Namie Amuro's latest winter single "White Light" came on, adding an elegant and romantic touch to the cozy interior of the classy restaurant.
kou shite futarikiri de sugosu
dhizuka de konna yasashii yoru
(Song translation:
We pass our time together like this, just the two of us
Quietly, on a gentle night like this one)
itsu mo no basho de machi awase (yeah-yeah)
irodoru machi wo te wo tsunaide (te wo tsunaide)
kuchizusande Christmas song
kizukeba All my pain is gone
yappari sou anata no soba nara
(We meet up at the usual place (yeah-yeah)
We go through the colorful city hand-in-hand (hand-in-hand)
Humming a christmas song
Before I know it, all my pain is gone
Naturally, that's what happens when I'm with you)
kazoe kirenai de ai no naka de
anata wo mitsukete
kono shiroi sekai ni zutto futari kiri
I'll never leave by your side (I'll never)
I promise under the white light
(I've found you amongst
The countless numbers of people that I've met
We'll always be together in this white world
I'll never leave by your side (I'll never)
I promise under the white light)
kogoete ita kokoro ga uso mitai ni hodokarete
I'm feelin' that I can believe your love to me
donna yoru mo kioku mo kowai nante omowanai
You know I've understood again
Baby on this special day
kono yami ga mou anata wo
doko e tsurete ikanai you ni
sora wo mau shiroi yuki ni tokashite
(forever) itsu made mo (whenever) donna toki mo
I'll never leave by your side (I'll never)
I promise under the white light
(My frozen heart emerges, like a lie
I'm feelin' that I can believe your love to me
On any given night, I don't think I'll be scared to remember
You know I've understood again
Baby on this special day
It's as though the darkness
Won't follow you anywhere
The white snow dissolves in the sky that it dances in
(forever) forever (whenever) at no time
I'll never leave by your side (I'll never)
I promise under the white light)
The lyrics of the song brought the two into an emotional turmoil, as they busied themselves with the food to prevent any slip of emotion. It was supposed to be a special night, and the song was expressing all that they didn't dare express. Both knew that things were not as simple as they seem, but neither could really bring themselves to face it. The words 'no strings attached' were still deeply etched in their hearts, serving as a constant reminder.
For now, both decided that they would not think about it. Perhaps ignoring the problem would not make it go away, but it would mean less painful.
After a satisfying dinner, the two found themselves strolling along Central Square, where glittering lights adorned the otherwise bare trees, their merry lights twinkling like thousands of mini stars in the dark. Somewhere ahead down the path, there was a huge crowd counting down for Christmas, as guest celebrities belted out track after track of Christmas songs on a makeshift stage. It was Christmas like Megumi had never experienced; everything was new to her and equally wonderful, not to mention with Sanosuke holding her cold hand in his warm one.
She knew he could give her happiness, but...there was Takeda-san...
"Sanosuke."
Though he didn't turn to look at her as they walked, a soft "hmm" told her he was listening.
"I…I wanted to say something just now at the restaurant."
"What is it?"
Squeezing his hand gently, Megumi took a deep breath of the chilly wintery air and said, "When you mentioned that I was wearing an expression of joy…I wanted to tell you something."
She knew he was waiting when he regarded her with silence, stopping in their steps to face her fully.
"I wanted to tell you that…that you were the one who made all of it possible." She said in a single breath, courage building up as she got it out of herself. "I have never been so relaxed and happy. No one ever showed me all these. I…I want to say thank you."
He gazed at her almond-shaped face, partially shrouded by the shadows and lights from the trees aligning the wide path along Cental Park, his eyes moving from her captivating cinnamon ones to her luscious red lips. They were a little chapped from the harsh winter air, but that tiny flaw made them look all the more beautiful in their natural glory.
Don't Sanosuke, A tiny voice warned. You'll regret it.
Tearing his eyes away from those lips, he kept them on the neatly-paved path as he pressed his palm on her head with ease.
"Don't be silly, Megumi," He said, trying hard to keep traces of emotion out of his tone. "You're worth it."
She smiled wistfully, shaking her head. "I never knew I was."
"Those people do not know what they are missing out on." He replied, noting her downcast face at the mention of 'those people', who obviously meant Takeda Kanryuu. "Let's go sit down by that bench…there's five minutes to Christmas."
Nodding, Megumi allowed Sanosuke to lead her to a bench by the side of the path, in front of a tall tree illuminated by little lights with fresh flowers surrounding its base. The slightly wet petals reflected off the lights from the Christmas decorations, giving the background an enchanting, fairytale-like look.
Sitting down slowly, Megumi felt herself relax as she laid her head on Sanosuke's shoulder, their shopping bags at their feet.
"Is this how a date is like?" She broke the silence after a while.
"There's more to come, Megumi."
She smiled, not wanting to ask more as they sat there in comfortable silence, appreciating each other's presence and the Christmas atmosphere, enhanced by music from the stage far down the path.
"Ten!"
As the crowd started counting down, Sanosuke gently removed Megumi's head from his shoulder and sat up.
"Nine!"
Megumi could only look at him, puzzled, trying to read his facial expression.
"Eight!"
All she could see in his eyes was determination.
"Seven!"
She was about to ask him, when…
"Six!"
He placed his lips over hers in a chaste kiss, his hands cupping her face, his thumbs rubbing warmth back into her cheeks.
Megumi never really heard the "Five, Four, Three, Two, One". Reveling in the feel of this gentle yet intimate contact between the two of them. Even until he pulled away, she was still lost in the feeling, which was so natural, so right. She vaguely knew that people were cheering and singing somewhere out there, until his voice snapped her out of her dreamy state.
"Merry Christmas, Megumi."
Finding her tongue, Megumi replied a bit shakily. "Me-Merry Christmas, Sanosuke."
Sanosuke's eyes looked as if he was having an internal battle with himself, before the next few words tumbled out of his mouth before he could actually regret them.
"That is what a date should be like, Megumi."
"Oh."
It was painful. It hurt even more when Sanosuke voiced out the harsh reality. But why should she even anticipate? This entire date thing was supposed to be an act, just that it was without a script.
"Arigatou, Sanosuke."
"Megumi, this is for you." Sanosuke ignored her words and bent down to pick up the bag in which the white trench coat was neatly wrapped up in.
"Eh? But…Tae…"
"I made that up…This is for you."
Receiving the paper bag from him, Megumi blushed and realized in horror that she didn't prepare anything for him.
"Gomen, I didn't get anything-"
"It's OK," Sanosuke shrugged, before adding cheekily. "I wouldn't mind a kiss though-"
This time round, Sagara Sanosuke was caught by surprise when Takani Megumi kissed him back. It was a quick one, for she was, after all, not very experienced. But it was enough to make his heart beat fast. He hadn't expected it from her.
"Arigatou." He managed to say, as she shook her head, embarrassed by her own boldness.
They sat for a short while, as snow suddenly danced from the skies above, as if the angels had planned a confetti shower for the lands bathed in Christmas joy.
"Kirei…" She exclaimed softly, putting out her hands to catch the snow. "Tokyo doesn't snow every year, does it? Maybe it's kami-sama's way of telling us that something good is coming along."
The only thing good that he could think of now is sitting together with her at this very same spot again next year.
"Megumi. I'll always be there for you."
Looking up at his face in surprise, she quickly changed her expression to one of true happiness.
"Hai."
sora wo mau shiroi yuki ni tokashite
(forever) itsu made mo (whenever) donna toki mo
I'll never leave by your side (I'll never)
I promise under the white light…
The white snow dissolves in the sky that it dances in
(forever) forever (whenever) at no time
I'll never leave by your side (I'll never)
I promise under the white light…)
To be continued…
A/N: This has gotta be the longest I've ever written. I enjoyed it so much…and I really really hope you guys did too. I spent so much time on this! Thanks once again to Crewel for the amazing suggestion of having the date at Yebisu Garden Place…Though you gave me a ton of research homework LOL. Asahi-zushi really does exist, along with all the places mentioned in the fic. I've never been there personally, and all the descriptions have been done from checking out internet pictures and info! LOL so if any of you have been there, and what I've written deviates from the actual place looks like, I am really sorry! Oh, buta kimuchi don is really available in Japan's Yoshinoya too…I checked it out as well. Too bad Singapore's Yoshinoya doesn't serve it…I'd like to try it one day.
Yebisu Garden Place's really amazing…I've made it one of my many honeymoon-must-go-places! –grins- As for those who haven't heard "White Light" before, you should really give it a shot. It's a nice, soothing song. Tokyo snowed for the first time somewhere around a week ago in goodness knows how long…I was initially dreading that a snow scene would make it seem unrealistic, but seems like God's on my side! LOL! I was so happy when I saw the news.
Oh and who noticed that the couple sitting beside SM in the restaurant was Kenshin and Kaoru? I had them make a special guest appearance!
OK, guess I am done for now. Please drop a review if you found it good, reward my efforts! Thank you!
Kirei da ne – Isn't it beautiful
Teishoku – set meal
Gyudon – beef bowl
Chotto matte – Wait a minute
Soko de machiawase – We'll meet there
Buta kimuchi don – rice topped with pork and kimchi
Kirei – beautiful
Omatase shichai mashita – Sorry for making you wait
Arigatou ne – Thank you
Sou – You're right
Hayaku ikou yo – Quick! Let's go
Kao ni nani ga tsuiteruno – Is there something on my face
Tsuitenai – There's nothing (reply to 'is there something on my face')
Tada kirei da, kyou wa – It's just that you look very pretty today.
Fugu sashimi – raw slices of puffer fish (Yummy!)
Obaasan – Granny
hentai baka jiji – perverted idiotic old man
tori – chicken
kechi onna – petty woman
Naka ga ii na, futari tomo...Ne? – They get along real well, don't they?
Damatte, kutte yo – shut up and eat (Gangsterish Jap)
Nihongo, Obaasan – Japanese, Granny!
Oishii darou – Delicious, isn't it?
Gomen – Sorry
Arigatou – Thank you
Kami-sama – God
Hai - Yes