The Man in the Glass
Chapter Four
By Hayai Akurei
--((00))-((00))--
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
"The Man in the Glass"
--((00))-((00))--
He was tumbling through a world of white.
So bright…The light pained him, and a twinge of fear passed through his spine. He could feel the intense heat surrounding him, suffocating him, but he couldn't find the strength to fight back. His limbs had become leaden weights, pulling him further and further down into an oblivion of holy brilliance.
And he let it.
Then, something cool cut through the light, and everything dimmed to a gentle gray, the pain receding into nothingness.
Fai sighed, shifting his head, the remnants of sleep fluttering away. Vaguely, he could feel someone's hand on his forehead. It felt pleasantly cool against the heat of his skin. Slowly, he opened his eyes, momentarily blinded by the thin knife of sunlight peeking past the curtains.
Suu-megami-sama, his head hurt.
"Finally!" he heard Kurogane exclaim exasperatedly. "You're awake!"
"I think it'd be best if you kept your voice down," said an unfamiliar voice. Calm, cool, commanding, yet gentle. "His hearing is liable to be sensitive."
Fai frowned slightly, trying to see through the fog in his head at the newcomer. He was greeted by a young man with a tender smile, light brown hair coming down in wisps about his face, a longer lock bobbing against his left cheek.
"How are you feeling?" he asked softly. Golden eyes peered down at him through wire-rimmed glasses.
The wizard gave a half-hearted grin. "Not too bad."
The young man smiled, removing his hand from Fai's forehead and rummaging around in a bag on the floor next to him.
"The mage is awake," called Kurogane into the hall. There was a scurry of feet and Sakura and Syaoran came running in, babbling with worry.
"Fai-san! Are you okay? How are you feeling? Does your head still hurt? Are you feverish? Are you all right?"
The children had such sincere looks of pure relief mixed with concern on their faces that Fai had to wonder briefly what had happened for them to act so in the first place. Kokuyo walked in, Kohaku in his arms with a chuckle.
"Slow down, he's not going anywhere."
"Fai-san!" Sakura said, clasping his hand in hers. "I'm so glad that you're all right!"
Syaoran nodded. "You certainly gave us a scare."
Fai's brow furrowed into an uncharacteristic frown. "What happened?"
"To make a long story short," Kurogane growled from his corner, "You fainted in the kitchen last night and that's where the kids found you. You've been out like a light since, so Kokuyo had to call the doctor."
The doctor nodded. "My name is Kakei. It's nice to meet you, Fai."
Fai's tiny manly ego twitched at Kurogane's words. Faint? Faint? How could he just faint? That certainly wasn't possible. A man of his good health simply didn't just go around blacking out at random.
His headache came jarring back as he began to cough.
Oh yeah. He was getting sick. That would probably be why.
"Here," Kakei said, mildly interrupting the blonde from his thoughts. "This medicine ought to help. Just a spoonful a day should do it."
"So what's wrong?" asked Syaoran. Was it possible for a younger man to have protective, almost parental tendencies towards his elders? Fai wondered. Kakei gave the boy a reassuring smile.
"It's just a cold," he said, "Quite common this time of year." Golden eyes once again rested on the bedridden mage. "Just drink plenty of liquids, take the medicine and get some rest. You should be feeling better within a few days."
Fai could only manage enough strength to nod. Gods, he felt so tired. When was the last time he got sick? When he was like, what? Ten?
Standing up, Kakei gathered his things. "If he experiences any more fainting spells, let me know. I'll come by tomorrow to see how you're doing."
"We appreciate your help, Kakei-san," Kokuyo said, "Here, I have something for you to give to Saiga."
"I hope it's that wonderful bread recipe he keeps telling me about!" the doctor practically gushed, almost prancing out of the room with a happy grin on his face. "We can't wait to try it out!"
Sakura took Kohaku's hand and turned around. "I'll go get you some hot tea," she said.
She really was too sweet, Fai thought. She'd be any man's dream wife, not to mention she'd make a wonderful queen someday. The mage allowed himself a small, true smile as he watched Sakura depart to the kitchen, Kohaku in tow and Syaoran as their escort, all of them giggling over something.
Kids.
Fai shivered as his head throbbed. It was so hot. Just then, Kurogane stood up and leaned over him. The wizard could practically feel the heat in his cheeks triple at their closeness. He prayed to Suu that the telltale blush wouldn't give anything away.
"K-Kuro…?"
"Shut up," he grumped, reaching down and pulling the half-kicked off comforters back up around his shoulders. He seemed almost embarrassed, tucking him in like this. Part of Fai's brain wanted to go squish and squeal, "Awwww! 'E's blushing!" But it too was too tired to do anything.
"I'm only doing this 'cause you're sick and we need your help finding that damn feather. Plus, if you get up, you're only going to make yourself sicker and then it'll take even longer for you to recuperate. Just stay in bed."
It was unlike him to sound – or even act – so concerned, no matter how he tried to hide it. But he was so cute when he was in denial! The ninja looked down at him when he didn't receive an answer.
"Fai? Your face is red."
Damn that blush! Damn it, damn it, damn it!
A rare, brief look of worry flashed through crimson eyes. Placing a hand on Fai's forehead, and the other on his own, Kurogane frowned. "You okay? You're really burning up."
"I am?" He hadn't realized how sick he really was. "Oh."
"K'so, you're such a pain sometimes. Just take your medicine and sleep."
Fai complied, not having the energy or really the desire to argue. The pale brown concoction tasted absolutely vile, but Kurogane made him choke it down just the same. Completely drained, Fai slumped against the pillows, feeling awfully drowsy. Just as he was drifting off into slumber, he thought he felt Kurogane take hold of his hand, rubbing the back of it with his thumb.
--((00))-((00))--
"Fai? Fai?"
Crystal blue eyes opened, meeting amber eyes and a cheery face almost nose to nose with his own. He sat up, the high-backed armchair he was sitting in creaking with the shift in weight. The book, which had been sprawled across his lap, fell to the floor with a thunk. The young girl kneeled down and picked it up, handing it back to him.
"Here! Fai dropped his book!"
Smiling, he took the book and beckoned for her to sit. "Thank you. Come here, Chii." She complied, perching quite happily in his lap and nuzzling him with her head. "Good girl," he said, scratching her behind the ears, earning a delighted purr from her.
"Did I fall asleep again?" he asked, rubbing his eyes. The embers in the large fireplace before him glowed a faint red. Apparently he'd been asleep for several hours.
"Yes," answered Chii, "But Chii didn't want to wake Fai."
"That's kind of you."
Cream-colored ears flicked back in apprehension. "But Fai has not been sleeping well and cries in his sleep. Last night, and the night before, and the night before that. And Fai doesn't eat much anymore. Is something wrong?"
So intuitive. Setting the book aside, Fai held her close. "Can I hide nothing from you? Yes, dear one, I've been troubled these past few days. But I do not wish to tell you."
"Why?"
"Because," he said, kissing her forehead. "I don't want you to be sad."
"Chii…"
For a while, they sat there, saying nothing. Fai slowly carded his hands through her long flaxen hair, occasionally stroking her furry ears. The repetitive motion began to calm his restless thoughts, Chii's rhythmic purring further chasing them away.
"Good girl."
--((00))-((00))--
When Fai next awoke, he was alone, the bedroom curtains drawn and the door closed. His head was still fuzzy, and he rubbed his temples to stave away the throbbing pain.
Suu have mercy. He had forgotten what it was like to be sick. To be confined to your bed, drinking hot beverages with a mountain of tissues at your side while you either slept or read books. You always had a fog in your lungs, your body grew sluggish, your throat shredded itself into tiny pieces and you lost all appetite for food. The last time he had fallen ill, he had been about twelve. That was over ten years or so ago. Gods, how time flew. But after he had received his tattoo, that all changed.
He sighed. Complete virus protection. Yet another bonus of that thrice-damned, thrice-blessed tattoo. Now, without it, he was as vulnerable as a newborn baby. Heavens knew he felt like one at the moment.
There was a soft knock at the door. Turning his head, Fai felt his spirits rise seeing Sakura standing in the doorframe, a tea tray in her hands.
"Oh, Fai-san! You're awake!" she said thankfully. "That's good. I made you some tea."
Fai's heart warmed at her kindness. "Thank you, Sakura-chan. You're so sweet."
Gingerly, he sat up, fluffing the pillows haphazardly behind him and she took a seat in the nearby chair that Kurogane had been occupying earlier. She looked like a new housewife, modestly dressed in a light green blouse and a white jumper that were just a tad big for her as she poured the tea into a small cup. Her honey-brown hair, which smelled vaguely of honeysuckle, had been pulled back with a matching green ribbon.
"Careful, it's still hot." He nodded in acquiescence, feeling the heat seeping through the porcelain and into his hands.
Fai looked around thoughtfully, blowing on the steam furling from the cup. "It's awfully quiet. Where's the puppy pair?"
"Oh," she said, glancing out the window, "They're out helping Kokuyo-san fetch a few things from town. We're hoping to meet the Elder tomorrow."
"Sounds like fun!"
There was an awkward silence for a while as they both sat there.
Sipping the somewhat fruity drink, Fai set the cup back down on the saucer, looking her in the eye. "Did you want to talk to me about something, Sakura-chan?"
"Eh?" she stammered, "Uh…yes." Suddenly bashful, she dropped her gaze to her fidgeting hands in her lap. "Uhm…Fai-san…"
"Yes? What is it?"
"Uhm…" Her reddening cheeks just got darker. "Uh…I…"
"You don't have to tell me right away, if you're not ready," he said gently.
"No, that's not it. I…"
"Go on."
"I…I like someone!" Sakura blurted out. She slumped and sighed, as if relieved she had gotten the information off her chest. With that boost of confidence, she took a deep breath and said, slower this time, "I really, really like someone, and I…I wanted to talk to you about it."
"Really?" Fai questioned slyly, raising one slender eyebrow and taking another sip. "I'm touched that you'd want to talk about such things with an old man like me. But do tell. Who is it?"
"W-well…"
"Is it Syaoran-kun?"
To watch the princess's face go from light pink to an all-out red was absolutely the most adorable thing ever.
"Hoeeeee!"
Scratch that. The noise was cuter.
"H-H-How did you know?" she stuttered, looking red enough to shame a tomato.
Fai winked at her from over the top of his teacup. "I had a feeling."
"Hoee…" He could almost see her deflate in embarrassment.
Setting the cup down, he looked deep into her eyes. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"
The princess looked up at the older man. Fai was pretty sure that she would have loved to talk this over with another girl, preferably her own age, instead of a childish foreigner like him. But since they were constantly on the go, it was a little tough. If they had lingered a little longer in Piffle Country, he was positive Tomoyo-chan would've been the first person Sakura would divulge this information to. But he was always willing to lend an ear to what she had to say.
"Well…I don't really know what to do, to be honest."
"Have you told Syaoran-kun how you feel?"
"N…no. But I want to!" she exclaimed. "He's always so nice to me, and he's going through so much trouble to get my memories back!" The princess sighed, her eyes turning dreamy. "And he's so devoted to his work. Mokona-chan told me that he's an archeologist. I remember there was an archeological dig back in my home country. I'll bet he would have loved to see it. Maybe I should take him there to go see! I'm sure onii-chan won't mind!"
Something within Fai's heart sank. No matter how hard they would have wished for it, she would never regain her past memories that she had shared with Syaoran. If at all possible, he would have tried to do something to prevent it. But it was Syaoran's wish, and he had no right to interfere.
"Go on, go on!" he egged, propping his chin up with his hands. "Tell me more!"
Sakura's cheeks pinked. "Syaoran-kun always looks so happy when he's studying ancient cultures and that sort of thing. And he's so handsome. When he smiles, my heart starts melting."
"You, my dear," Fai said, waggling his eyebrows, "Are totally smitten."
"Hoee…" For a brief moment, Sakura looked so unsure of what to do, and so completely lost, that Fai had to reach over and pet her head, the way he used to do with Chii. The wizard gazed at her fondly.
"Keep your chin up, dear one. It'll be all right in the end. Just follow what your heart tells you."
She nodded. Setting down the now empty cup, Fai looked around. "Now, where did I put my clothes? I remember putting them on the dresser…"
"They're in the wash," Sakura said, "Kokuyo-san said to give you these for the meantime." She looked at him anxiously as she handed him a set of clothes. "But do you intend to go out?"
Sliding out from under the covers, he said, "Sort of. It's so stuffy in here; I could use some fresh air. I won't overexert myself. You can come with me if you'd like. Kuro-pon might not like it if I go by myself. He'll probably say…"
Putting his hands on his hips, Fai frowned, and in an imitation of Kurogane's voice that would've started a rivalry with Mokona, said, "Idiot wizard! What do you think you're doing? You're supposed to be in bed!"
The princess giggled, picking up the empty cup and saucer. "All right, I'll be in the kitchen when you're done."
From downstairs, there was the sound of a door opening and slamming shut.
"We're home!" called Syaoran.
Fai felt his heart warm as Sakura's face lit up like a star at the sound of his voice, her smile widening. She skittered down the stairs, meeting the group with a cheery greeting.
"Ahh, Sakura-chan…" he mused aloud, his eyes softening as he slipped out of his bedclothes, "Cherish the love that you have for him. Cherish it always."
Suddenly, he doubled over, coughing harder and harder, as his lungs tried to dislodge whatever was obstructing air from getting in. Finally, he was able to clear his throat, and slumped to the floor, drained of all his strength.
"Not now," he prayed, feeling faint. "Please, not now. Just a little longer, please."
He shakily got to his feet, listening to the sounds of the children and Kurogane downstairs.
"It's too soon."