Hi, me again! Wow, this took along time to do! I think you might still have to wait for Chapter Ten though. I haven't written it yet!
Thanks to my reviewers!
K'onix- Thanks a bunch! I like your name! What does it mean?
Glimmern-glitas- Aya and Mariah just opened the doors. They didn't actually go inside. Thanks fo reviewing again! I accept your good wishes: )
Deranged Kai- I'll try not to! He'll get tougher, eventually! Thanks for your tip. I'll use it next time, because I'm too lazy to repost the earlier chapters. Thanks for reviewing! Like your name!
Ruler of the dark- Yeah...the fight was a bit short. Anyway, I've decided your thing about Bryan's last name was right. I bow before you!
Torri-Chiobie- I know, poor Tala. -sniff- Thanks for reviewing!
wolf of snow- Hahaha! Poor Tala! Well, thanks for commenting again!
personne du monde- Erm...is that a joke? I'm sorry if it is and I didn't get it. Sometimes I'm extremely thick and need more than a hint...-sweatdrop- Thanks for reviewing...-confused-
Enjoy!
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Aya stared at the phone. Yuri had not returned to her house that night, and his belongings were still here. Even after what she'd seen tonight, she worried about him. She shivered involuntarily at the memory of his expression. His face had been so pale, the streaks of blood on it making him look like an undead warrior. His eyes had been narrowed in glee, his mouth cruelly twisted in a sadistic smile. In fact, he'd looked like some insane, forever damned wraith on a cannibalistic hunting spree.
Aya suddenly picked up the phone, making up her mind. She dialled a number and waited nervously. The other end picked up and a brusque voice spoke.
" Hiwatari Manor. Kai speaking."
" Kai…um, hi. I'm Aya." Aya fidgeted with a strand of hair.
" Hello, Aya." Came the reply.
" I was just wondering, is Yuri with you?" Aya tried to keep her voice casual.
" Yes."
" Is he – is he alright?"
" He's fine. He's taking a shower at the moment."
" Oh, okay. Well…bye."
" Bye." Kai hung up.
Aya placed the phone back in its cradle. She bit her lower lip, still a bit worried.
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Yuri let the warm water stream over his body; the comforting liquid washed away the blood that stained his flesh. He watched in a detached fashion at the diluted red fluid that swirled down the drain. He gave his hair one last rinse and turned off the water. Yuri stepped out of the shower and wrapped a white bathrobe around himself. After he had dried his hair he walked to the kitchen. Tantalizing smells of stew drifted in the air. He entered the kitchen and sat down in a chair.
" How are you feeling?" Kai set down a steaming bowl of stew.
Yuri just sighed and stared morosely at the chunks of beef and potato that floated on the surface of the gravy in the bowl.
" Eat up." Kai commanded.
Yuri half-heartedly picked up a spoon and dipped it into the bowl.
Kai sighed impatiently and sat down across from his best friend. " Aya called."
Yuri's hand jerked sharply in surprise and accidentally spilt some of the stew on the smooth oak table. " Sorry." He hastily wiped up the mess with a napkin. " What did you say?"
Kai rolled his eyes. " Aya called."
" Did she – did she happen to mention me?" Yuri made a pathetic attempt at sounding unconcerned.
" She wanted to know if you were with me and if you were okay. She sounded pretty worried." Kai said.
" Really?" Yuri perked up a bit before another thought struck him. " She probably just felt guilty. She wants my stuff out of her house." He spoke gloomily.
Kai sighed again. He reached over and cuffed Yuri's head sharply. " Get a grip. Stop moping around like an old lady whose cat just died and eat your stew. It's getting cold."
" I'm trying! It's just so hard! Everything's so new and different and – " Yuri was cut off by Kai standing up and slapping him forcefully.
" Get a life! Oh, the girl of your dreams saw you as a murdering freak; too bad! Get over it! You're not going to drag your lazy bum around here any longer! Now EAT MY STEW!" Kai shouted.
Yuri felt anger boiling up inside him. He stood up, knocking his chair over. " You don't know what you're talking about! It's not that easy! You should try – WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING?" Yuri glared at Kai, who had a sort of grin on his face.
" It's better you yelling than you whining." Kai shrugged.
Yuri could only stare incredulously. " You – you are unbelievable! I can't – " Yuri shook his head, but he was beginning to smile himself.
" You see? Everything will be fine." Kai patted Yuri's shoulder.
" Yeah, you're right." Yuri felt much better, and he fully believed in Kai's words.
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Aya enjoyed the crisp spring air as she walked to school. She had opted for a light, white dress that floated to her knees with straps that were adorned by blue ribbons. The same ribbons decorated the hem of the dress and flowed behind at the waist. A large, white straw hat rested in her loose hair, ribbons of a sky colour tied at the brim as well.
She could almost forget all her problems in the calm shade of the apple trees. Aya halted and turned her face upward toward the sweet white blossoms. She felt a presence at her back and a gloved hand extended in front of her face, holding a bouquet of the pinkish white flowers. She inhaled the scent, guessing the person behind her.
" Offerings for the goddess." A soft voice murmured in her ear, gentle breaths caressing her neck. Aya turned and came face to face with Brooklyn. His eyes seemed even more clear and lovely than before.
" Hi." Aya smiled.
" Accept my gift?" Brooklyn stepped back a bit and brought the apple blossoms up.
" Thank you." Aya took the flowers from him and buried her nose in the soft white petals.
" You look beautiful. I was reminded of Persephone spending her first day outside of Hades' domain." Brooklyn stared at Aya, an odd expression on his face.
Aya blushed and looked away; she couldn't look into those amazing blue-turquoise eyes any longer. " I'd always thought Hades a bit rash."
" I suppose it really depends on the lady. If it were you, I would've done the same." Brooklyn smoothly picked six more blossoms and wove five of them into Aya's hair. The sixth he tucked behind her ear. " Speaking of which, would you care to meet me here this afternoon at four?"
" Is that a date?" Aya pulled back a bit.
Brooklyn shrugged. " Depends. Are you going to say yes?"
" I just met you yesterday." Aya's gaze was trained to the flowers in her hand.
" I know. That is why I am asking you. I want to get to know you better." Brooklyn had become serious, and he placed his arm around Aya's shoulders.
Aya sighed, thinking. She unconsciously rested her head on Brooklyn's chest.
" Aya!" A voice startled Aya out of her thoughts. She quickly pulled out of Brooklyn's embrace and turned to see a very surprised Mariah.
" Uh…hi Mariah!" Aya looked awkwardly at Brooklyn. They both had the air of a child with his hand caught in the cookie jar.
" Hi. Brooklyn." Mariah greeted Aya and acknowledged Brooklyn.
The autumnal-haired boy nodded back. There was an uncomfortable silence.
" Well, I'll be leaving now. Goodbye!" Brooklyn smiled at Mariah before turning to Aya. " Remember what I said." He whispered into her ear. Aya had to stop herself from shivering. As Brooklyn walked away he trailed his fingers over Aya's bare forearm. Aya watched him disappear over the hill before turning back to Mariah.
The pink Asian girl walked up to Aya with her hands on her pink-skirted hips.
" What was that all about?"
Aya flushed. " Brooklyn just said hi."
" And?" Mariah raised an eyebrow.
" And he sort of asked me out?" Aya ventured.
" And what did you say?" Mariah pressed.
" I…didn't say anything yet." Aya admitted.
" Are you thinking of saying yes?" Mariah asked.
" Well…" Aya drew out the word for as long as she could.
" Aya!" Mariah sounded scandalized. " What about Yuri?"
" What about him?" Aya was confused.
Mariah rolled her eyes. " Everyone knows he's crazy about you."
" Really? What – when?" Aya, extremely bewildered, shook her head.
" Never mind. Maybe I'm wrong. Besides, you could do worse than Brooklyn." Mariah shrugged.
" What? I haven't even answered him yet!" Aya exclaimed.
" Yet. But you will say yes, won't you?" Mariah cocked her head.
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" I want to talk to you." Brooklyn approached Mariah.
" Okay, shoot." Mariah said.
" How does Aya feel about jewellery? Gold? Silver? Plat – " He was cut off by Mariah's hand on his shoulder.
" Don't fuss. Here, I'll help." She smiled reassuringly.
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Aya saw Brooklyn waiting underneath the apple trees as she walked up the hill. He had dressed in black pants and a light black shirt, with a long black jacket. Aya herself had decided on light colours. A thin green skirt hung to her ankles and a drape-like soft yellow tunic had been fastened in place with silver shoulder brooches. A green silk scarf was wrapped around her shoulders and neck. Hanging crystals of lemon, green and diamond were fastened to the front of her silvery-white hair.
Brooklyn caught sight of her and instantly his eyes lit up. Aya found herself suddenly next to him. She hadn't remembered walking the rest of the way; she'd been lost in the amazing clearness of his eyes.
" I'm glad you have returned, dear Persephone." He bent and kissed her hand.
" The above world was beautiful, but I missed you, my lord." Aya smiled, playing along.
" I have a present for you. It was not what I'd been planning to give you, but when I saw it I found it a touching symbol." Brooklyn placed a soft velvet box in her hand.
Aya opened the box and gasped. She carefully lifted the glistening necklace out. Dangling from a fine silver chain was a pomegranate of red glass. Half the front was made to reveal the fruit inside, which were five tiny ruby drops imbedded in silver. The sixth seed was suspended as though it was about to fall out.
" One ruby for each month you stay by my side." Brooklyn whispered.
Aya was overcome. " Oh wow. Brooklyn! You didn't have to! It's beautiful."
Brooklyn carefully took the necklace from Aya and fastened it around her neck. She could feel the slight weight of the pendant on her skin and the cold of the metal.
" Oh…" She sighed, hugging Brooklyn tightly. " Thank you!"
" It was nothing." Brooklyn was content just to have her in his arms. " Shall we go now?"
Aya lifted her head, her eyes full of curiosity. " Where are we going?" Brooklyn noticed how she could only look at him for bits at a time.
" What's the matter? You don't look me in the eye." He inquired.
Aya blushed and looked away. Brooklyn caught her chin with his fingers and tilted her face up towards his. She squirmed for a bit, and finally buried her face in his shirt to avoid his eyes.
" What's the matter? Is something wrong?" Brooklyn was genuinely concerned now. He ran his hands through her hair.
" It's nothing. Just your eyes hurt." Aya mumbled.
" What?" Brooklyn pulled Aya up so he could see her face.
" Your eyes hurt. They're really clear and light and it hurts to look at them for too long." Aya blushed sheepishly.
" What? Is that all? I thought it was because I had something on my face." Brooklyn laughed. " Come on, my surprise is waiting."
The two began to walk towards the park.
" What's the surprise?" Aya looked up eagerly.
" If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore." Brooklyn smiled, tapping the tip of Aya's nose.
Aya pouted, but asked no more.
After walking in a few more moments of silence, something that had been nagging Aya all day filled her thoughts. " Was Yuri at school today? I didn't see him." She tried to make it a casual question, biting her lip as she peeked up at Brooklyn.
Brooklyn's eyebrows furrowed a bit at the question, but nonetheless, he replied in an offhand manner. " No, he was absent."
" Oh. Thank you." Aya spoke uncomfortably. There was an awkward silence.
" Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" Brooklyn looked at Aya as he spoke.
" Depends on the question." Aya shrugged.
Brooklyn sighed, looking up at the azure sky. " Do you – is there something between you and Yuri?"
Aya looked startled at the question. " I don't think so. Why does everyone assume that?" She replied carefully, watching Brooklyn's reaction.
The autumnal-haired boy smiled in relief and gently took her hand, grasping it firmly. Aya looked down, a bit of pink staining her cheeks.
Brooklyn led Aya across the park and into the little forest that bordered the public area.
" Where on earth are you taking me?" Aya smiled cheerfully, although she was puzzled.
Brooklyn just winked at her and continued ahead, carefully brushing branches out of Aya's way.
Aya furrowed her brow but followed. They were walking through a dense section of the wood. Aya had to lift her skirt to step over the fallen logs and she had to keep one hand in front of her, to protect her face from the branches.
Finally, Brooklyn halted and brushed away one last curtain of leaves. He allowed Aya to step through first, before following after.
Aya gasped, surprised to say the least. They were in a small, sunlit clearing that had a simple white bench and a small stone fountain in the centre. On a white tablecloth in front of the bench was an assortment of dishes and cups. " Wow!"
" You like it?" Brooklyn smiled shyly. " I wasn't sure what you liked to eat so…" He gestured to the wide array of food.
" This is amazing! You're so thoughtful!" Aya ran forward and picked up the bouquet of wildflowers that lay on the bench.
Brooklyn walked over and sat down on the bench. Aya sank down next to him, her nose still buried in a spray of baby's breath.
" Have I ever told you how amazing you are?" Aya joked, pretending to gaze at Brooklyn with adoration.
" I don't think you have. Lemonade?" Brooklyn grinned, proffering a plastic cup filled with the tangy drink.
" Thank you. By the way, you are amazing." Aya accepted the cup and sipped from it.
Brooklyn smiled, shaking his head slightly as he reached down to uncover some of the dishes.
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" That was lovely. Thank you!" Aya smiled gratefully, hugging Brooklyn's arm. The food was mostly gone, the leftovers being picked at by birds.
Brooklyn threw some crumbs of cheese at a nearby sparrow. He watched it peck at the Brie happily. " You're welcome. It wasn't that much anyway."
" I thought it was great. I had a really nice afternoon, Brooklyn." Aya bent forward with a bottle cap full of water, but the sparrow flew away, frightened.
" I suppose you'll have to go home now." Brooklyn ran a hand through the glass hangings at the side of Aya's head.
" Yep. I have been here for two and a half hours." Aya reminded him, standing up reluctantly.
" One more thing." Brooklyn stood up as well. He gently took hold of Aya's shoulders and pulled her closer. " Do you kiss on the first date?"
" No- " Aya was cut off by Brooklyn closing the distance and lightly pressing his lips to hers. Aya slowly closed her eyes, very aware of the warm feeling spreading through her body. She wasn't exactly sure on what to do, but it was a nice sensation. Brooklyn smelt like fresh air and sunlight, with a hint of honey. He pressed a bit harder, his lips still soft on hers. Aya was literally melting on the spot when –
" Aya!"
Aya broke apart, spinning around at the sound of Yuri's voice. He had one foot in the clearing, unsure of where to go. Should he leave?
" Yuri?" Aya gasped, brushing her bangs out of her eyes.
Yuri's eyes darted from Aya, to Brooklyn, to the remains of the picnic, and back to Aya. He seemed so confused, so wanting in an explanation. He took a tiny step, feeling as if he had intruded. Which, in actuality, he had.
" Yuri." Aya began hesitantly. She wasn't sure what to say. Was she even supposed to say something? It wasn't like she'd done anything wrong. Nevertheless, Aya had the uncomfortable feeling that she had betrayed Yuri. She knew it was ridiculous; she hadn't even been involved with him! But there was still that feeling…
Brooklyn stepped forward, putting a hand possessively on Aya's shoulder.
Yuri gave Aya one last despairing look, before turning and disappearing into the trees. The look on his face had been heart-breaking; it was as if he was watching someone rip the frail paper that was his soul.
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