Standard Disclaimer!
Whow I've been putting this off. Was going to put it off longer but the damn disk I had stored the mst I'm working on died! Oh well I do have back ups. So now back to this story. Hope you didn't mind the time lag.if you did sorry hope this makes up for it.
And about the sugar content of last chapter.you're going to miss it soon as the story is going to drop a notch on the love-love meter.
And without further Apu.I mean.never mind.
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Anata No Ichiban Ni Naritai Chapter Six- Moving on
Several months passed since Akito presented Kyoko with her gift. Said gift greatly altering the pair's relationship. What once was quite appreciation for each other, was now open affection. A mother who lost her child and the child who lost his parents. Ruri watched the pair with envy; never really have a close relationship with her parents.
As for Ruri and Akito, they still remained nearly constant companions. On several occasions Akito would insist Ruri interact with the now younger girls at the orphanage. "It will do you good to act the older sister to them. And they could use it too," he told her. Her response was to force Akito to take the younger males to the natorium bi-weekly. But, despite all the time they shared neither brought up their growing feelings for one another.
Ruri wouldn't allow herself to admit she loved Akito. She was too worried that her actions could destroy the future. Akito's reason wasn't as noble, he was simple too afraid to lose her friendship. So the two withheld their feelings for one another.
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"You know I could try to get the eviction date lengthened Akito," Kyoko said as she watched him pack.
Placing the now aerial Geki into his only duffle bag, "It wouldn't be right. And don't worry I'm sure we'll be fine."
Kyoko stood in the doorway as he packed. She was so proud of him, but she was sad he had to leave. It was standard procedure to have all residents leave upon their sixteenth birthday. They received their education at an accelerated rate so they could attain normal jobs at the colony or attend higher levels of school. She didn't want her would-be son to be homeless.
"How about you stay until you have an apartment picked out?" she pleaded.
Smiling at her, "Ruri is out scouting places now. With the money left in my trust fund we should be able to make a few months payments. Then I'll get a job and we'll be fine."
Walking the few feet over to him, "So she IS moving with you?" Kyoko asked.
Making a final look over what he had packed, and what he'd left out for his last few days living there, "She insisted. Actually, I'm glad she did."
Her motherly instincts taking over, "Now don't do anything foolish now Akito. You two are still young and children at your age."
Blushing deeply, "Kyoko-san! I.she.we're not like that."
'Still denies it. Wonder how long that will last,' the nurse thought as she gave the boy a hug. "You be careful, ok?"
'I don't think she likes me 'that' way anyway,' he though then nodded and returned the hug, "Don't worry."
Releasing him, she said, "It's my job to worry about you. Can't let Ruri- chan be the only one. Speaking of Ruri, I think that's her coming up the walk."
Looking out the room's window, "That's her."
"Well I'll let you go and see what she found," taking another look out the window, "All that hair, honestly."
Walking out of his room with Kyoko, "I kinda like it."
'That's why she has it long Akito,' she mused, just as she separated from Akito, "I'm sure a lot of men would like to court her.if they had the chance."
Stopping dead in his tracks, Akito looks at Kyoko as she left. 'Is that right?' He made his way to Ruri's room to talk to her. The director insisted that she be given her own room after he found the pair sharing sleeping space again. Ruri's defense for her crawling into Akito's bed was that she heard him having a rather bad nightmare. The defense failed and pair's lodgings were split, temporarily so it would seem to Kyoko.
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When Akito knocked on her door, Ruri opened it with a smile on her face. It wasn't a very large smile, but she had one. Her years growing up with Akito had drastically altered her perceptions on life. While she was still very shy and hid most of her emotions, she had them and practiced them. That fact also led Ruri to many mental debates upon her relationship with said boy.
"Am I to take it that the hunt went well?" he asked he girl.
Ruri started to blush; she wasn't smiling at her knowledge but that Akito had hurried to her so quickly. As the older girls left the orphanage, they were replaced by a swelling of younger ones. Those younger girls were quickly taken in by Akito's growing personality, which angered the blue haired girl.
With a shake of her head, "We have three possibilities. I came back to get you to go check them out."
With a slight bow of his head he found himself saying something he didn't want to, "Are you sure you want to move out with me? You can stay here another four-five months if you want."
She tried to hide the pained expression she had, she was overly cautious around Akito; he could read her like a book sometimes. "Aside from you, I have nobody. The children have Kyoko-san to look after them. I would prefer to leave this place and find employment."
Hoping for her to say her reasons were him, he was a depressed by her reply, 'I guess it would be better to live closer to the workplace.' He looked at her and saw the look of impatience in her eyes. "Want to go look at them now?"
To both their surprise, Ruri linked arms with Akito and said, "Waiting for you to say that."
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After explaining to Kyoko why they were leaving again, they boarded the bus that lead into the city. The initial shock of Ruri's forward advance had cooled and Akito found he liked being drug around by her. Ruri couldn't explain why she had done such an act; she only knew that she liked it, and it was easier to lead him than tell him were to go.
They reached the first building a little before lunch. It was a spacious studio apartment. They liked the amount of room that was available but the lack of walls was considered a major problem. 'I'd have to leave the apartment when she changed,' Akito thought, Ruri was thinking along similar lines as they both had a healthy blush.
In unison, "Let's try the next place."
They reached their second potential home after a quick stop for lunch. As they entered a feeling of nostalgia washed over Ruri, it was very similar to her 'school.' With hardwood floors, carpeted living room, bath, kitchen, and deck it was a very nice apartment. The price was even very agreeable to the pair. Even with his remaining trust fund they needed a lot of additions, which they could afford if they moved into this residency. Only one problem existed, it was a single bedroom.
"Lets take a look at the last one, I'm sure if we need to we could work something out here," Akito proposed.
Inclining to agree with him, Ruri lead him to the last apartment with any vacancies.
Akito's jaw hit the floor as they entered. To say the apartment was extravagant would have been an understatement.
"No wonder this place is open. Who could afford this place?" Akito gapped.
Walking across the padded floors of what looked like a traditional Japanese home, Ruri spoke, "With the money we have we could afford to make only the first months rent. We would need jobs almost immediately to keep it."
With a heavy sigh, "That means no food, furniture, or luxuries."
"Which leaves us only two choices; the studio or the single," the girl said with a hint of depression in her voice.
Returning the key to the office, Akito reiterated, "You could stay at the orphanage until something better opens up."
"And leave you to accidentally kill yourself? I think not," said in her normal voice.
Knowing it was a joke, Akito burst into a fit of laughter, "You're getting better at jokes. You know that?"
Ruri offered him a smile, and they headed back into the city proper for supper.
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The meal was spent in silent contemplation. Both were weighing their options. They both factored in their own feelings, but that didn't help them make a decision because they refused to admit it. As the waiter took away their dishes, Akito reached his decision.
"We'll take the single bedroom and I'll sleep in the living room."
'The soundest resolution,' Ruri figured, "I'll tell the relater we'll take it."
The check was received and paid; Akito escorted Ruri back to the orphanage, again in silence. Too many things were bombarding the now older Hoshino. She was going to be living alone with Akito in a single bedroom apartment. 'Sure he's going to sleep on the couch, but this is still a very large step.'
Akito's thoughts were again of a similar nature. 'If I do live with her, can I be trusted not to try and start an actual relationship? What if I try it and she doesn't respond? She'd move out with no place to go to.'
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The following week flew by like a breeze. After contacting the realtor and informing of their desire for the apartment, the two were accosted with paper work. Kyoko surprised the two by giving them a fairly large sum of money to 'help get started.'
When they were finally in the apartment, Ruri came to a decision. 'Timeline be damned, but I have to do this.' Informing Akito, who was still unpacking his cooking supplies, that she had forgot something aback at the orphanage, she left.
Arriving at her old dwelling, Ruri immediately sough Kyoko. She found the nurse in her office.
"Ruri-chan, back so soon? I thought the unpacking would have taken at least a few days," Kyoko said, trying to mask the happy feeling of seeing the girl. 'Gone only one day and I already miss them.'
Ruri's head fell softly, "Kyoko-san, how hard would it be for you to move to earth?"
Shock instilled in her voice, "Move to earth? Why would we want to do that?"
Internal conflict raged inside of her, she didn't know if Kyoko and her husband died during the attack or not. "I can't explain it. I just think it would be best if you moved back to earth."
'Well we were planning on retiring on earth, but not this soon.' Standing up from her chair, "Can you tell me any reason you think moving would help us?"
'You'll DIE if you stay here much longer!' Calm still in her voice, "Not directly, but it would be much better for you if you did."
Kyoko sat speechless. She knew Ruri wouldn't suggest such an idea if she didn't have a good reason for it, but what could it be? "I'll talk to my husband about it Ruri-chan. I can't promise anything, but maybe early retirement is an option."
Wiping the tear that threatened to trace her cheek, she smiled, "Thank you Kyoko-san. Now I must go back and help Akito."
Before Ruri had a chance to shut the door, "Ruri-chan!" Kyoko called stopping the girl in her tracks. "If I do this, you have to do something for me."
Peeking her head back into the office, "Anything Kyoko-san."
Smiling broadly, "I know you didn't move in with Akito just to find a job. Tell him how you feel."
'Of all the things to ask, she asks the one thing I CAN'T do,' grudgingly, "I'll try."
After she muttered out her response, she drew the door closed slowly. She honestly didn't know if she could confess her feelings to him. She just finished breaking the timeline for Akito's benefit, could she do it for her own? Her mind was still pondering the answer to her dilemma as she approached her apartment.
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Ruri was shocked as she opened the door to her apartment. Not only had all the boxes been unpacked, but also the floor had been cleaned. 'How did he do all this in such a short time?'
Walking out from the bedroom, "Welcome back. Did you find what you forgot?"
Unsure if she did accomplish her goal, "I couldn't find it. It may have been in the boxes after all."
Akito simply nodded, they did have more stuff then they at first believed. "Ready to go out furniture shopping?"
Sitting on the floor in the kitchen, "Can I get something to eat first?"
Blushing at his own impatience, Akito cooked a small meal for her and himself. Eating out of plastic containers, both realized they needed a lot more things to live comfortably. As they ate, Akito asked how things were like back at their old home. Ruri told him that several girls had asked how 'he' was and that besides that nothing had really changed.
"It was only a day and a half ago," she informed him.
"It's only been that long? Feels longer, and you just got here today,' Akito murmured.
Putting the empty plastic storage containers in the sink, the pair left for their shopping adventure.
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After they left the forth store, Akito stopped Ruri.
"Do you think it's a good idea to spend so much of our money?" he asked.
'In about two years it won't matter how much you spent,' she thought but voiced only, "We'll both have jobs soon, so it won't matter."
'Can't fight her logic,' he reasoned as they started walking again, 'but why did she look sad after I asked that?'
Ruri was never more glad for paid movers as she was that day. They had visited three more stores that day, and made many major purchases. Akito gladly paid for the stores to send the heavier items to the apartment for them, he did not want to drag a couch or a bed around all day.
When they gathered all the material items they thought they needed, they went grocery shopping. Ruri had to excuse herself as she pictured them as a married couple; she didn't want Akito to see how red her face was. 'I need to stop this. I could ruin everything.'
Food in hand, they headed home. They arrived twenty minutes before the first truck arrived with their purchases.
The rest of the evening was a nightmare. Boxes were stacked everywhere again. Heavy items being moved around again and again. When all the work was done, both Akito and Ruri were physically exhausted.
They both fell onto the bed they just assembled and made.* Akito looked over at Ruri who had already fallen asleep and brushed the hair off her face.
"Our first real night together," he fought back the implications of his statement. He also resisted the urge to kiss the girl who at that moment looked more beautiful than any woman he had ever seen. Instead, he collapsed next to her and fell asleep.
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The pair soon fell into a stable routine of living. Akito would cook, and Ruri would clean. He would do the grocery shopping, and she would do the laundry. All the tasks were equally distributed between them.
As the weeks passed, they started the search for employment. Akito instinctively restaurants, but found he required either a degree from a cooking school or years of experience. Ruri startled Akito when she told him she had found a suitable job.
Eyes wide and jaw on the floor, "You're going to work for NERGAL!"
"I am highly skilled in technical areas, and they need them. Plus it is a high paying job. I would not like you to pay for everything," Ruri replied.
In truth, she was expecting a far worse response. She knew Akito had some misgivings about Nergal, but she had to work there. Her current existence would still cause major alarm. By working for Nergal, she could easily cover her own existence from their radar.
Understanding slowly showing on his face. "Are you sure you want to?"
As she looked into his eyes she wondered, 'He cares for me so much.would it be so bad to take the next step?' To him she said, "It will not be a problem. We need the money anyway."
Putting his hands up in defeat, he smiled. "How about we go out for dinner to celebrate?"
Nodding and matching his smile with her own, "I'll go change."
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With Ruri working weekdays at Nergal, Akito intensified his attempts at finding work. Finally he found himself walking down the city street at noon in a mild depression.
'She's working to support us. I'm just holding her back aren't I? Maybe I should give up on my dream of becoming a chef for now.' Unconsciously he ran his hands over each other, and then stopped.
"My IFS, I can get a job in construction or something."
His mindset on acquiring a job, he set out for the labor industry. After several attempts Akito did find a place that would hire him as a driver. 'Finally I can start helping her. All these years she's been their for me, now I can start being their for her.'
Checking his watch, he saw that Ruri should be getting home soon. Stopping for some take-out, he headed home.
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As he walked into the apartment, Akito realized something was amiss. Ruri usually was watching the news when he got home late. Today he saw something he never thought he would.
"Empty cookie boxes? Is that my ice cream?" he whispered to himself.
Before him was a sight he never thought he'd see. It appeared to him that Ruri had gotten off work early and spent her time eating junk food. He couldn't help but smile thinking about how odd it would be to see her eating that whole box of cookies.
But despite his smile he thought, 'what could have caused such an odd behavior?'
He was about to call out to her when he heard a soft voice on the veranda. It was quiet and hushed but filled with sadness. He took a peek around the corner and saw Ruri standing outside, and she was signing. Straining to hear more but remain unseen he could finally make out the words.
{ienai kimochi o daita mama
kono mune ni anata michitekuru
dakedo setsunakute kurushii omoi naki dashisou
kanojo o mitsumeru sono hitomi towa yuru ga nai ki ga suru no demo ne, sukoshi dake . . . honno sukoshi dake kono watashi mite yo
moshi dare yori mo hayaku anata ni deatte itanara omou mama ni negau mama ni koi o shita deshou ka
mouichido moichido umare kawatte aeta nara koto wa anata no ichiban ni Naritai
aeba au hodo ni tsunoru bakari awanakya sabishi kunaru bakari nante migatte na soshite konan na koi o shita no deshou
isso ubaeru mo no nara sou kangaeta koto mo aru futari no kyori mou kore ijou hanashitaku nai kara . . .
okubyou mono da to mou hitori no watashi ga iu soredemo itsudemo anata ga ichiban yo
moshi dare yori mo hayaku anata ni deatte itanara omou mama ni negau mama ni koi o shita deshou ka
mouichido moichido umare kawatte aeta nara koto wa anata no ichiban ni Naritai }
As she sounded the final verse she started to cry softly. 'You were right Omaikane, but now that I am with him.I can't do anything. I'm too afraid to tell him. And I soon.soon the Jovian's will attack and I can't go with him. I'll lose him.'
Ruri's unknown listener made a decision. 'She'd be mortified if she knew I saw her cry let alone sing. Why is she so sad?'
So Akito walked back to the door and slammed it then called out loudly.
"I'm home! And I brought supper!"
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* made as in covers/sheets correctly placed
Well that's the end of that chapter. Next chapter the Attack!!!
Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out but with school projects and my job search.which is over thank Kami. And sorry to those of you reading this on Fanfiction.net the don't allow italics or for some reason the breaks I put in during the song so it's a bit hard to read. Not my fault!!!
Hope you liked it and can spare time to give me some reviews or emails.I always love those
And if you'd like to know Ruri's song was "Anata no Ichiban ni Naritai"
Ge wonder why she sang it :)
If you'd like to know the English version.
As I am holding on to feelings that I can't speak of, my heart is filled with (visions) of you. But it looks like these unbearably painful thoughts will make me cry.
Those eyes of yours are fixed on her, Forever unwavering it seems. But hey, just a little...only a little, could you look at me?
If I had met you before anyone else You would have loved me as in my **dreams...as I wish, right?
(If) once more...(if) once more we were to be *born and meet again, next time, I want to be your number one.
The more often we meet, the worse I feel. Seeing you is bound to just make me lonely. Isn't it selfish, this troublesome love that I feel?
If I could only steal you... Yes, I have thoughts like those too. The distance between us...This is over...I don't wish to speak anymore.
"You coward", another of myself will say. Nevertheless, as always, I think you are the best.
If I had met you before anyone else You would have loved me as in my **dreams...as I wish, right?
(If) once more...(if) once more we were to be *born and meet again, next time, I want to be your number one.
www.animelyrics.com
I think that song symbolizes Ruri's condition quite nicely.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com)
Whow I've been putting this off. Was going to put it off longer but the damn disk I had stored the mst I'm working on died! Oh well I do have back ups. So now back to this story. Hope you didn't mind the time lag.if you did sorry hope this makes up for it.
And about the sugar content of last chapter.you're going to miss it soon as the story is going to drop a notch on the love-love meter.
And without further Apu.I mean.never mind.
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Anata No Ichiban Ni Naritai Chapter Six- Moving on
Several months passed since Akito presented Kyoko with her gift. Said gift greatly altering the pair's relationship. What once was quite appreciation for each other, was now open affection. A mother who lost her child and the child who lost his parents. Ruri watched the pair with envy; never really have a close relationship with her parents.
As for Ruri and Akito, they still remained nearly constant companions. On several occasions Akito would insist Ruri interact with the now younger girls at the orphanage. "It will do you good to act the older sister to them. And they could use it too," he told her. Her response was to force Akito to take the younger males to the natorium bi-weekly. But, despite all the time they shared neither brought up their growing feelings for one another.
Ruri wouldn't allow herself to admit she loved Akito. She was too worried that her actions could destroy the future. Akito's reason wasn't as noble, he was simple too afraid to lose her friendship. So the two withheld their feelings for one another.
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"You know I could try to get the eviction date lengthened Akito," Kyoko said as she watched him pack.
Placing the now aerial Geki into his only duffle bag, "It wouldn't be right. And don't worry I'm sure we'll be fine."
Kyoko stood in the doorway as he packed. She was so proud of him, but she was sad he had to leave. It was standard procedure to have all residents leave upon their sixteenth birthday. They received their education at an accelerated rate so they could attain normal jobs at the colony or attend higher levels of school. She didn't want her would-be son to be homeless.
"How about you stay until you have an apartment picked out?" she pleaded.
Smiling at her, "Ruri is out scouting places now. With the money left in my trust fund we should be able to make a few months payments. Then I'll get a job and we'll be fine."
Walking the few feet over to him, "So she IS moving with you?" Kyoko asked.
Making a final look over what he had packed, and what he'd left out for his last few days living there, "She insisted. Actually, I'm glad she did."
Her motherly instincts taking over, "Now don't do anything foolish now Akito. You two are still young and children at your age."
Blushing deeply, "Kyoko-san! I.she.we're not like that."
'Still denies it. Wonder how long that will last,' the nurse thought as she gave the boy a hug. "You be careful, ok?"
'I don't think she likes me 'that' way anyway,' he though then nodded and returned the hug, "Don't worry."
Releasing him, she said, "It's my job to worry about you. Can't let Ruri- chan be the only one. Speaking of Ruri, I think that's her coming up the walk."
Looking out the room's window, "That's her."
"Well I'll let you go and see what she found," taking another look out the window, "All that hair, honestly."
Walking out of his room with Kyoko, "I kinda like it."
'That's why she has it long Akito,' she mused, just as she separated from Akito, "I'm sure a lot of men would like to court her.if they had the chance."
Stopping dead in his tracks, Akito looks at Kyoko as she left. 'Is that right?' He made his way to Ruri's room to talk to her. The director insisted that she be given her own room after he found the pair sharing sleeping space again. Ruri's defense for her crawling into Akito's bed was that she heard him having a rather bad nightmare. The defense failed and pair's lodgings were split, temporarily so it would seem to Kyoko.
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When Akito knocked on her door, Ruri opened it with a smile on her face. It wasn't a very large smile, but she had one. Her years growing up with Akito had drastically altered her perceptions on life. While she was still very shy and hid most of her emotions, she had them and practiced them. That fact also led Ruri to many mental debates upon her relationship with said boy.
"Am I to take it that the hunt went well?" he asked he girl.
Ruri started to blush; she wasn't smiling at her knowledge but that Akito had hurried to her so quickly. As the older girls left the orphanage, they were replaced by a swelling of younger ones. Those younger girls were quickly taken in by Akito's growing personality, which angered the blue haired girl.
With a shake of her head, "We have three possibilities. I came back to get you to go check them out."
With a slight bow of his head he found himself saying something he didn't want to, "Are you sure you want to move out with me? You can stay here another four-five months if you want."
She tried to hide the pained expression she had, she was overly cautious around Akito; he could read her like a book sometimes. "Aside from you, I have nobody. The children have Kyoko-san to look after them. I would prefer to leave this place and find employment."
Hoping for her to say her reasons were him, he was a depressed by her reply, 'I guess it would be better to live closer to the workplace.' He looked at her and saw the look of impatience in her eyes. "Want to go look at them now?"
To both their surprise, Ruri linked arms with Akito and said, "Waiting for you to say that."
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After explaining to Kyoko why they were leaving again, they boarded the bus that lead into the city. The initial shock of Ruri's forward advance had cooled and Akito found he liked being drug around by her. Ruri couldn't explain why she had done such an act; she only knew that she liked it, and it was easier to lead him than tell him were to go.
They reached the first building a little before lunch. It was a spacious studio apartment. They liked the amount of room that was available but the lack of walls was considered a major problem. 'I'd have to leave the apartment when she changed,' Akito thought, Ruri was thinking along similar lines as they both had a healthy blush.
In unison, "Let's try the next place."
They reached their second potential home after a quick stop for lunch. As they entered a feeling of nostalgia washed over Ruri, it was very similar to her 'school.' With hardwood floors, carpeted living room, bath, kitchen, and deck it was a very nice apartment. The price was even very agreeable to the pair. Even with his remaining trust fund they needed a lot of additions, which they could afford if they moved into this residency. Only one problem existed, it was a single bedroom.
"Lets take a look at the last one, I'm sure if we need to we could work something out here," Akito proposed.
Inclining to agree with him, Ruri lead him to the last apartment with any vacancies.
Akito's jaw hit the floor as they entered. To say the apartment was extravagant would have been an understatement.
"No wonder this place is open. Who could afford this place?" Akito gapped.
Walking across the padded floors of what looked like a traditional Japanese home, Ruri spoke, "With the money we have we could afford to make only the first months rent. We would need jobs almost immediately to keep it."
With a heavy sigh, "That means no food, furniture, or luxuries."
"Which leaves us only two choices; the studio or the single," the girl said with a hint of depression in her voice.
Returning the key to the office, Akito reiterated, "You could stay at the orphanage until something better opens up."
"And leave you to accidentally kill yourself? I think not," said in her normal voice.
Knowing it was a joke, Akito burst into a fit of laughter, "You're getting better at jokes. You know that?"
Ruri offered him a smile, and they headed back into the city proper for supper.
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The meal was spent in silent contemplation. Both were weighing their options. They both factored in their own feelings, but that didn't help them make a decision because they refused to admit it. As the waiter took away their dishes, Akito reached his decision.
"We'll take the single bedroom and I'll sleep in the living room."
'The soundest resolution,' Ruri figured, "I'll tell the relater we'll take it."
The check was received and paid; Akito escorted Ruri back to the orphanage, again in silence. Too many things were bombarding the now older Hoshino. She was going to be living alone with Akito in a single bedroom apartment. 'Sure he's going to sleep on the couch, but this is still a very large step.'
Akito's thoughts were again of a similar nature. 'If I do live with her, can I be trusted not to try and start an actual relationship? What if I try it and she doesn't respond? She'd move out with no place to go to.'
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The following week flew by like a breeze. After contacting the realtor and informing of their desire for the apartment, the two were accosted with paper work. Kyoko surprised the two by giving them a fairly large sum of money to 'help get started.'
When they were finally in the apartment, Ruri came to a decision. 'Timeline be damned, but I have to do this.' Informing Akito, who was still unpacking his cooking supplies, that she had forgot something aback at the orphanage, she left.
Arriving at her old dwelling, Ruri immediately sough Kyoko. She found the nurse in her office.
"Ruri-chan, back so soon? I thought the unpacking would have taken at least a few days," Kyoko said, trying to mask the happy feeling of seeing the girl. 'Gone only one day and I already miss them.'
Ruri's head fell softly, "Kyoko-san, how hard would it be for you to move to earth?"
Shock instilled in her voice, "Move to earth? Why would we want to do that?"
Internal conflict raged inside of her, she didn't know if Kyoko and her husband died during the attack or not. "I can't explain it. I just think it would be best if you moved back to earth."
'Well we were planning on retiring on earth, but not this soon.' Standing up from her chair, "Can you tell me any reason you think moving would help us?"
'You'll DIE if you stay here much longer!' Calm still in her voice, "Not directly, but it would be much better for you if you did."
Kyoko sat speechless. She knew Ruri wouldn't suggest such an idea if she didn't have a good reason for it, but what could it be? "I'll talk to my husband about it Ruri-chan. I can't promise anything, but maybe early retirement is an option."
Wiping the tear that threatened to trace her cheek, she smiled, "Thank you Kyoko-san. Now I must go back and help Akito."
Before Ruri had a chance to shut the door, "Ruri-chan!" Kyoko called stopping the girl in her tracks. "If I do this, you have to do something for me."
Peeking her head back into the office, "Anything Kyoko-san."
Smiling broadly, "I know you didn't move in with Akito just to find a job. Tell him how you feel."
'Of all the things to ask, she asks the one thing I CAN'T do,' grudgingly, "I'll try."
After she muttered out her response, she drew the door closed slowly. She honestly didn't know if she could confess her feelings to him. She just finished breaking the timeline for Akito's benefit, could she do it for her own? Her mind was still pondering the answer to her dilemma as she approached her apartment.
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Ruri was shocked as she opened the door to her apartment. Not only had all the boxes been unpacked, but also the floor had been cleaned. 'How did he do all this in such a short time?'
Walking out from the bedroom, "Welcome back. Did you find what you forgot?"
Unsure if she did accomplish her goal, "I couldn't find it. It may have been in the boxes after all."
Akito simply nodded, they did have more stuff then they at first believed. "Ready to go out furniture shopping?"
Sitting on the floor in the kitchen, "Can I get something to eat first?"
Blushing at his own impatience, Akito cooked a small meal for her and himself. Eating out of plastic containers, both realized they needed a lot more things to live comfortably. As they ate, Akito asked how things were like back at their old home. Ruri told him that several girls had asked how 'he' was and that besides that nothing had really changed.
"It was only a day and a half ago," she informed him.
"It's only been that long? Feels longer, and you just got here today,' Akito murmured.
Putting the empty plastic storage containers in the sink, the pair left for their shopping adventure.
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After they left the forth store, Akito stopped Ruri.
"Do you think it's a good idea to spend so much of our money?" he asked.
'In about two years it won't matter how much you spent,' she thought but voiced only, "We'll both have jobs soon, so it won't matter."
'Can't fight her logic,' he reasoned as they started walking again, 'but why did she look sad after I asked that?'
Ruri was never more glad for paid movers as she was that day. They had visited three more stores that day, and made many major purchases. Akito gladly paid for the stores to send the heavier items to the apartment for them, he did not want to drag a couch or a bed around all day.
When they gathered all the material items they thought they needed, they went grocery shopping. Ruri had to excuse herself as she pictured them as a married couple; she didn't want Akito to see how red her face was. 'I need to stop this. I could ruin everything.'
Food in hand, they headed home. They arrived twenty minutes before the first truck arrived with their purchases.
The rest of the evening was a nightmare. Boxes were stacked everywhere again. Heavy items being moved around again and again. When all the work was done, both Akito and Ruri were physically exhausted.
They both fell onto the bed they just assembled and made.* Akito looked over at Ruri who had already fallen asleep and brushed the hair off her face.
"Our first real night together," he fought back the implications of his statement. He also resisted the urge to kiss the girl who at that moment looked more beautiful than any woman he had ever seen. Instead, he collapsed next to her and fell asleep.
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The pair soon fell into a stable routine of living. Akito would cook, and Ruri would clean. He would do the grocery shopping, and she would do the laundry. All the tasks were equally distributed between them.
As the weeks passed, they started the search for employment. Akito instinctively restaurants, but found he required either a degree from a cooking school or years of experience. Ruri startled Akito when she told him she had found a suitable job.
Eyes wide and jaw on the floor, "You're going to work for NERGAL!"
"I am highly skilled in technical areas, and they need them. Plus it is a high paying job. I would not like you to pay for everything," Ruri replied.
In truth, she was expecting a far worse response. She knew Akito had some misgivings about Nergal, but she had to work there. Her current existence would still cause major alarm. By working for Nergal, she could easily cover her own existence from their radar.
Understanding slowly showing on his face. "Are you sure you want to?"
As she looked into his eyes she wondered, 'He cares for me so much.would it be so bad to take the next step?' To him she said, "It will not be a problem. We need the money anyway."
Putting his hands up in defeat, he smiled. "How about we go out for dinner to celebrate?"
Nodding and matching his smile with her own, "I'll go change."
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With Ruri working weekdays at Nergal, Akito intensified his attempts at finding work. Finally he found himself walking down the city street at noon in a mild depression.
'She's working to support us. I'm just holding her back aren't I? Maybe I should give up on my dream of becoming a chef for now.' Unconsciously he ran his hands over each other, and then stopped.
"My IFS, I can get a job in construction or something."
His mindset on acquiring a job, he set out for the labor industry. After several attempts Akito did find a place that would hire him as a driver. 'Finally I can start helping her. All these years she's been their for me, now I can start being their for her.'
Checking his watch, he saw that Ruri should be getting home soon. Stopping for some take-out, he headed home.
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As he walked into the apartment, Akito realized something was amiss. Ruri usually was watching the news when he got home late. Today he saw something he never thought he would.
"Empty cookie boxes? Is that my ice cream?" he whispered to himself.
Before him was a sight he never thought he'd see. It appeared to him that Ruri had gotten off work early and spent her time eating junk food. He couldn't help but smile thinking about how odd it would be to see her eating that whole box of cookies.
But despite his smile he thought, 'what could have caused such an odd behavior?'
He was about to call out to her when he heard a soft voice on the veranda. It was quiet and hushed but filled with sadness. He took a peek around the corner and saw Ruri standing outside, and she was signing. Straining to hear more but remain unseen he could finally make out the words.
{ienai kimochi o daita mama
kono mune ni anata michitekuru
dakedo setsunakute kurushii omoi naki dashisou
kanojo o mitsumeru sono hitomi towa yuru ga nai ki ga suru no demo ne, sukoshi dake . . . honno sukoshi dake kono watashi mite yo
moshi dare yori mo hayaku anata ni deatte itanara omou mama ni negau mama ni koi o shita deshou ka
mouichido moichido umare kawatte aeta nara koto wa anata no ichiban ni Naritai
aeba au hodo ni tsunoru bakari awanakya sabishi kunaru bakari nante migatte na soshite konan na koi o shita no deshou
isso ubaeru mo no nara sou kangaeta koto mo aru futari no kyori mou kore ijou hanashitaku nai kara . . .
okubyou mono da to mou hitori no watashi ga iu soredemo itsudemo anata ga ichiban yo
moshi dare yori mo hayaku anata ni deatte itanara omou mama ni negau mama ni koi o shita deshou ka
mouichido moichido umare kawatte aeta nara koto wa anata no ichiban ni Naritai }
As she sounded the final verse she started to cry softly. 'You were right Omaikane, but now that I am with him.I can't do anything. I'm too afraid to tell him. And I soon.soon the Jovian's will attack and I can't go with him. I'll lose him.'
Ruri's unknown listener made a decision. 'She'd be mortified if she knew I saw her cry let alone sing. Why is she so sad?'
So Akito walked back to the door and slammed it then called out loudly.
"I'm home! And I brought supper!"
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* made as in covers/sheets correctly placed
Well that's the end of that chapter. Next chapter the Attack!!!
Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out but with school projects and my job search.which is over thank Kami. And sorry to those of you reading this on Fanfiction.net the don't allow italics or for some reason the breaks I put in during the song so it's a bit hard to read. Not my fault!!!
Hope you liked it and can spare time to give me some reviews or emails.I always love those
And if you'd like to know Ruri's song was "Anata no Ichiban ni Naritai"
Ge wonder why she sang it :)
If you'd like to know the English version.
As I am holding on to feelings that I can't speak of, my heart is filled with (visions) of you. But it looks like these unbearably painful thoughts will make me cry.
Those eyes of yours are fixed on her, Forever unwavering it seems. But hey, just a little...only a little, could you look at me?
If I had met you before anyone else You would have loved me as in my **dreams...as I wish, right?
(If) once more...(if) once more we were to be *born and meet again, next time, I want to be your number one.
The more often we meet, the worse I feel. Seeing you is bound to just make me lonely. Isn't it selfish, this troublesome love that I feel?
If I could only steal you... Yes, I have thoughts like those too. The distance between us...This is over...I don't wish to speak anymore.
"You coward", another of myself will say. Nevertheless, as always, I think you are the best.
If I had met you before anyone else You would have loved me as in my **dreams...as I wish, right?
(If) once more...(if) once more we were to be *born and meet again, next time, I want to be your number one.
www.animelyrics.com
I think that song symbolizes Ruri's condition quite nicely.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com)