Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Tactics. They are the property of Kinoshita Sakura and Higashiyama Kazuko.
A/N: K, I didn't change the timeline, I just add in modern stuff for my own convenience… Hope you don't mind.
REVISED: August 1, 2010
For those as psyched about the game as I am, please do check out my new story revolving around it. It's incomplete and barely dented through, but at least it's a start. Very, very susceptible to change, because I hardly know squat about the game all thanks to the game company being so secretive about everything. XD
Breathe
Chapter 8: Haruka
By: LadyYuina
Haruka looked to the ladder when he heard someone coming up. To his surprise it wasn't Kantarou, it was Youko instead. She clumsily stepped onto the tiles, watching her footing carefully. The last thing she wanted to do was fall off the side. A strong gust of wind blew by per chance, making her drop to her knees instantly, cowering out of fear. When she looked up she saw Haruka standing before her.
"Need help?" he asked, amused.
Rubbing at her knees she gladly accepted his guiding hands. Once they were both seated, she asked, "how do you and Kan-chan manage to walk up here. It's so slippery and slanted." Haruka shrugged, for he never really thought about it. Eyes lighting up, Youko clapped her hands together and excitedly asked, "so how did it go yesterday? Kan-chan wouldn't tell me so I was hoping you would. He looked really embarrassed! From that kind of reaction I can tell something obviously happened!"
Haruka more or less nodded, and this got Youko gleefully excited. Fox ears and a tail sprouted. "I was under the pretense you had planned it, and was proven right but I don't really care anymore." The fox youkai nudged him in the shoulder, urging him to tell her what exactly happened. The words formed together so clearly in his mind, yet the only problem was when he tried to say them it was harder than he had anticipated. It was three simple words . . . Ten simple letters. "I kissed him . . ."
Youko looked awed, eyes turning into huge pools of blue masses. "Didn't Kan-chan kiss you too?" I remember telling him to . . . Haruka nodded. "Oh! Oh! Where! The forehead? Hand? Lips?" The Tengu, in answer to the nosy youkai, told her it was on the cheek - he had a feeling she left that word out on purpose. "Then, where did you kiss him . . .?"
Haruka could feel heat rising to his cheeks, and Youko knew immediately. She pointed at Haruka as she laughed, shoulders hunched. "It's not funny."
"Yeah, it isn't. I just can't help laughing, that's all. The way Kan-chan blushed he seems to be more startled by that kiss than you are!" Youko exclaimed. Haruka felt awkward now, because from this point on he couldn't tell if Kantarou was startled out of romantic curiosity or disgusted morality. That one kiss alone couldn't determine his Master's feelings for him. Youko stopped laughing when she saw the concerned look on his face. "Did I say something wrong?"
Haruka shook his head. It wasn't Youko's fault, for she at least showed him that Kantarou's startled reaction could've meant anything. He was too naïve to see past that, or perhaps he didn't want to? Kantarou didn't pull away when he kissed him, yet neither did he respond . . . He simply sat there, letting it all register. At the time when he turned away, what was going through his mind?
Kantarou sat down in a large chair in the garden well away from the rooftop Haruka liked to occupy, humbly working on Reiko's latest article. He found it strange that he was inspired to write by simply staring at a cricket for a while. His article was going to focus on bug youkai and their many aspects in life. As he wrote, the events of yesterday floated around in his mind, making it hard for him to concentrate on what he was doing. He pursed his lips together, trying as hard as he could to get at least one page done if not more. Kantarou nearly yelped though when he heard Haruka's voice.
Haruka showed a slight frown upon seeing Kantarou's face. His red orbs were unreadable, and the expression on his face was blank (figuratively speaking). He looked to his hand, immediately noticing that he had a new pen - a blue one this time instead of his usual red color. He could tell by Kantarou's writing that he was working on Reiko's upcoming article, and now regretted interrupting the man. Though Haruka didn't know it, Kantarou was glad that he interrupted him for he couldn't concentrate anyway.
"Haruka?" Kantarou gave him a curious glance, head tilting slightly to one side. The Tengu closed his eyes, trying to think of something to say. He wanted to bring up yesterday, but he didn't want to make it sound too straight-forward.
Elsewhere, Youko was inside the house tidying up the cabinets and shelves. Her sensitive ears picked up soft knocking at the front door; Ichi ran towards it, sitting idly waiting for her to answer it as she made her way down the hall.
"I'm coming!" she instinctively called out.
Youko gasped at the sudden sight. Standing outside was an elegant woman who didn't look any older than Kantarou. Her soft features and curves really accentuated her pale orange-colored kimono. She had oceanic blue eyes much like Youko's, though hers were a brighter hue in contrast, and her long silky blondish-red hair fell across her back to the end of her obi. Youko was mesmerized by her captivating beauty, and she found she couldn't help but stare. The woman's eyes roamed around the area behind the fox youkai before she spoke in a soft voice.
"Excuse me," she directed her attention to Youko, "does Mr. Ichinomiya Kantarou live here?" she asked, voice lilting with melodious nuisances. It was very pleasing to the ears.
"Oh!" Youko almost forgot that she had been staring. Straightening up, she said, "yes, he lives here!" The woman laughed when Youko dramatically blushed.
"Then . . . Is Mr. Ichinomiya in?"
"He's here. Do come in and have a seat. I'll go get him." Youko showed her into the living room before disappearing down a hallway.
Youko stepped into the garden, and upon seeing Kantarou and Haruka together, she didn't want to intervene but knew she had to. Calling out, she cupped both hands around either side of her mouth. "Kan-chan! Someone is here to see you!"
"Okay, Youko! I'll be right there!" The awkward bout of silence was broken. All the while Kantarou and Haruka had been staring at one another, and though both knew each had a thing or two to say, neither one had plucked up the courage to begin.
Kantarou was shocked when he saw the pretty woman sitting comfortably by the living room table. She happily smiled at him, bright blue eyes sparkling. The silver-haired man stood where he was, unable to move nor speak. He hadn't expected anything like this. Youko and Haruka stared at their Master, both wondering what he was doing standing there gawking. Kantarou didn't move until Youko poked him lightly in the back, away from the blondish-red haired woman's view.
"Hello," the woman greeted politely when Kantarou went through the motions of sitting down across from her. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
"Uh, yeah," Kantarou replied. "What brings you here, Haruka?" His insides were doing summersaults; she was more beautiful than ever, what with her childish figure no longer present, and it being replaced with womanly stature. Youko and Haruka exchanged glances when they heard the woman's name spoken by their Master.
"I came here by the request of my mother since she couldn't come here herself. I'm surprised you've made a career out of this. It's pretty nice to realize one's dreams," Haruka noted. "I'm glad I didn't let the others get to you . . ."
"Thanks . . . Now, about what your mother wanted . . .?" He found he didn't really want to reminiscence about the past with her.
"About that . . . My mother says things within the house would be moved around at random. It's quite bothersome and now it's beginning to scare her a little. She's heard of your business of ghost hunting sorts and would like for you to investigate." Haruka tore her gaze from Kantarou to look at the fox youkai and Tengu. Her eyes lightly rested on the black-winged creature. Kantarou followed her gaze.
"Let me introduce them, she's Youko and he is . . . Haruka," Kantarou explained, eyes focusing on the woman carefully.
Haruka's eyes ignited with wonder. "He and I have the same name! What a coincidence!" She smiled up at Haruka who didn't smile back much to his contempt. "Haruka is a very pretty name, though I thought it was only reserved for girls. Is this a recent trend I haven't heard about?"
"Haha, Haruka came from a place where the name Haruka can be used for both females and males, that's all," Kantarou lied. The blondish-red haired youth then asked where he was from. "Well . . . The place has a strange name, so I can't remember where . . ."
In all actuality, it was just that Haruka lived a very sheltered life and had been told by her parents her name was reserved for females alone. This notion of it only made it more believable with the fact that no one who lived around here (whom are male) were named Haruka. Many of the folks thought it too feminine for a man, so hence the myth behind the name.
Youko interrupted then. "When would you like Kan-chan to visit your home? He does have a busy schedule. I don't mean to be rude, but idle chat wouldn't be in his favor at this time."
"Oh . . . I'm sorry. How about later?" Haruka suggested. Kantarou nodded, all the while noting she was awfully vague about the time. Kantarou decided to ignore that little implication. Once she left Youko bombarded him with questions . . .
"You two talked as if you knew each other. Was she a friend of yours? A former girlfriend?" Kantarou blushed, explaining she was nothing of the sort. He suspiciously stared at the Tengu, wondering what he was thinking. When he first released him from his imprisonment he did question Kantarou why he would be named Haruka - he wouldn't tell him though. Now, will he make some kind of connection out of it?
"When shall we get ready, Kantarou?" the Tengu asked. Kantarou was trying to read his expression, trying to decipher something he thought was there. Perhaps there was nothing, and being too perceptive could lead to paranoia in some cases . . . Kantarou shook his head to dispel himself of these thoughts. "Kantarou, is something wrong? Why are you shaking your head?"
"Nothing's wrong . . . I thought I saw a bug hovering in front of my face." Rubbing a hand through his silver strands, he added, "I think I'll go get ready now."
"Okay."
Kantarou proceeded to go to his room.
"Say," Youko scuttled on over, "does Kan-chan look distracted to you?" Haruka shrugged, as usual. "That woman that came earlier . . . She was beautiful, wasn't she?" Another shrug. Youko snorted. "Why are you being so indecisive, because that's so unlike you." Haruka simply sighed and walked away from her, leaving Youko in the garden on her own. What did she really know . . . "What's up with those two!" She growled in confused frustration.
"You know where her house is?" Haruka asked. Kantarou nodded. He'd been there several times when he was younger (secretly, that was). He wondered if Haruka still lived there, too.
Arriving at the front gate, the Tengu and spiritualist were greeted by a tall man. His tan-colored skin matched perfectly with his dark hair and oval shaped face. He had a feminine quality to his appearance, just like how Kantarou had a childish aura about himself.
"Welcome. We've been expecting you, Mr. Ichinomiya. I am Haruka's husband, Reito. It's nice to meet you." He pushed open the gate, allowing the two guests entry. Kantarou, wide-eyed, stepped in behind Haruka. It never really occurred to him that his secret crush from the past would be married. "Haruka has talked animatedly about you; she said she was glad she could see you again, even if it was by chance. She's also happy that you've made some friends."
"Is that so . . ." Kantarou clenched his fists together. If he wasn't imagining things he'd believe that the scar on his chest was burning with pain. It was foolish of him now to even think he had a chance with Haruka . . . She wasn't ever available and neither was she to this day.
Kantarou hadn't realized he was walking in a dazed state until Haruka gently poked him in the back; ironically, this gesture reminded him of Youko. He looked at him for a moment before facing forward. Standing before them was a middle-aged woman who looked to be in her early fifties. She had long flowing light brownish hair, ocean blue eyes like Haruka's, and a petite nose with a well-shaped mouth. She bowed, introducing herself. Reito stood beside her, smiling the whole time. He was such a well-mannered man.
"Hello, Mr. Ichinomiya. It's nice to meet you. I am Haruka's mother, Mrs. Negaya." Kantarou and Haruka returned the gesture. "I'm glad that you could come; this trickster has been driving me insane!" Kantarou raised an eyebrow when he saw an upside down portrait on the wall with a washcloth draped over it. Mrs. Negaya quickly snatched it off. Kantarou stifled a chuckle.
"All right, Mrs. Negaya. Haruka and I will take over from here." The name Haruka made the middle-aged woman falter for a second, but she said nothing of it. "We'll make sure to do our best."
"Thank you. Come, Reito, I'm sure Haruka must be looking for you."
"The youkai is right there, Kantarou," Haruka pointed out. The spiritualist gaped when he saw the little green youkai. She stood beside a cluster of well-kept Chinese vases. One of her stubby green hands was resting on one of their many handles. Upon noticing the spiritualist, she stared at him intently.
"It . . . It was you all along, Muu-chan? Why are you doing this?" Kantarou asked. He let out a laugh, thinking this whole charade was silly. Muu-chan started to speak, and he avidly listened even though he didn't know what she was saying. "Translate, Haruka."
"Muu-chan says she was bored after she left your house that particular day. She wanted to visit you again, but Sugino refuses to let her see you . . ."
"Muu-muu . . . mu-mu-mu!"
" . . . and she'll stop this boring game if she can come over again?" Haruka was saying this more to himself than translating to his Master. Kantarou patted her on the head, saying she could come over if she ended the trickery she was playing upon this home. Muu-chan readily agreed, jumping into his arms, and snuggling him fondly. "Kantarou, Sugino would get mad. He hasn't agreed to this idea let alone heard of it yet."
"Muu!" Muu-chan glared at Haruka, shaking her head. Kantarou sweat dropped. "Mu-muu!"
"What did she say?"
"Nothing of importance . . ." Haruka turned around, walking towards the front door. Mrs. Negaya met him there, and she asked him how it went since it was quite fast. "We've got the culprit. Kantarou will make sure to confiscate it from your premises. I bid thee good day." He stepped outside onto the dirt road and waited for Kantarou there. They walked together a little ways away before the Tengu sprouted his wings and took flight (with Kantarou sitting on his arms).
"Welcome back, you two!" Youko greeted. Kantarou walked up to her, and dumped Muu-chan into her arms. "Huh? Muu-chan?"
"She's sleeping over tonight."
"Mu!"
"Kantarou!" Reiko called out. Kantarou cringed, horrified that his editor was here. It could only mean one thing. "I need to talk to you about your article."
"Hide me! Quickly!" The silver-haired man ducked behind Haruka's tall frame, almost completely veiled from view. Muu-chan hid behind Kantarou, clutching at the back of his white gi tightly. Article in hand, Reiko demanded where the writer was, as she claimed she heard him talking just a minute ago. He let out a low squeal when she dragged him out from behind Haruka. Muu-chan had moved aside before she caught sight of her.
"Aaaaaahhhhhh!" Haruka's cheeks flushed when Kantarou accidentally grabbed his buttocks, along with almost pulling his pants down at the same time. Kantarou blushed too as he let go. Reiko let go of him, which in turn, caused him to not too gracefully fall to the floor. "Ooofff!"
"Kantarou! You perverted freak!" Reiko screeched. She started whacking Kantarou on top of his head with a paper fan (that somehow magically appeared out of nowhere). Youko stood to the side laughing to her heart's content. Muu-chan looked at the battling duo with mild interest.
"Stop it, Reiko! Stop hitting me! I swear that was on accident! Ow!"
Chapter 8: END
