Title: Fast Forward to the Stars
Author: Shouhei-kun
Fandom: Nurarihyon no Mago
Pairing: Yoru (Night!Rikuo) and Rikuo Nura (Day!Rikuo)
Rating: T (SHONEN-AI)
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Nurarihyon no Mago. I only own the plot! I hope you guys enjoy the ride anyway!
NOTE (PLEASE READ): This fanfic is AU. No incest or anything. They totally live on separate worlds. And yes, this is SHOUNEN-AI.No flames or anything of the sort. I've already warned you.
CHAPTER 12 – THE EPITOME OF AN UNYIELDING FLAME
Rikuo's mind blew a fuse out of panic, hence why he became braindead. "Um, mom, this is…" he began. He didn't know what to say next; he was at a loss for words. Damn it, where were you when I needed you most brain? I'm out of ideas! he thought in hopeless desperation. I'm doomed! Doomed didn't even begin to cover it.
Yoru threw an arm over Rikuo's shoulder, his face deadpan. Rikuo shot a glance at the crimson eyed yokai-looking-like-a-human-temporarily. He felt Yoru being thoughtful and supportive of him. Was Yoru his last resort? What would be Yoru's say?
"Mother," Yoru said, "since you already know about us, can I please have your son?"
Rikuo stared at the other, aghast. It was then he realized Yoru would never be his last resort. He had a knack for making things worse.
"I'll take good care of him for you," the yokai added ever so bluntly, smirking. Yoru, forever the brave warrior in the name of love. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind at all.
Wakana let out a soft chuckle.
Rikuo blinked while Yoru raised a brow. A chuckle? They thought in unison.
Does that mean mom… she… Rikuo thought, a flicker of hope flashing just now, approves of us?
"Yoru-kun," Wakana said, beaming, "would you please be so kind to leave the room and never come back?"
Yoru's eyes widened, surprised. This was what he least expected to happen of all scenarios. "What? But—"
"Yoru," Rikuo's noticeable sad voice called the other. Yoru turned his head to the brunette, his expression perplexed. He obviously won't stand for this. But Rikuo looked indifferent. "You heard what mom said." The expression on his face said, Don't make things bad more than it already is.
"…" Yoru had a million reasons why he should stay up his sleeve, but for the sake of Rikuo, he shut his mouth about it and sighed. "Fine." He then stood up and left the room, closing the door behind him.
"…" Rikuo looked worriedly at Wakana. "I'm sorry I haven't told you anything sooner, mom." He felt like his heart weighed a ton. Wakana had just utterly rejected Yoru. And now that the yokai wasn't by his side, he didn't know what to do and what to say. But he did want his mother to talk to him the same way she always talked. The brunette had never felt so awkward up until now.
Wakana smiled her not-so-usual smile. "…You should go back and rest, Rikuo," she said. "You need all the rest you can get."
Rikuo didn't bother arguing with her. He didn't want to complicate things even further. "Okay…" he sighed. She's definitely mad. I can't blame her though, he thought, frowning.
Outside the hospital, Yoru huffed, his eyebrows furrowed. I've already come this far with Rikuo… There's no way I'll give him up that easily! he thought. He then clenched his fist, putting on his game face. Old man was just lucky that time with grandmother. Normally, eloping is best done at times like these. But no, for the sake of Rikuo and my uttermost respect for mother, I'll ask nicely.
Meanwhile, Rikuo lied on the bed, staring at his mother who was fixing things for Rikuo's discharge from the hospital the next day.
Mom still won't talk to me, Rikuo thought. And she has that creepy smile on her face (I wonder why…). Is she fuming? Or is she making fun of us? This is the first time she's been like this. He mentally shook his head, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. I have no idea what's going on in that mind of hers!
"Rikuo."
Rikuo immediately sat bolt upright from the bed. "What is it, mom?" She finally talked! he thought, a massive wave of relief crashing into him. But that relief had quickly gone to waste.
Wakana smiled… rather darkly. "Promise me something."
"Sure, anything!" Rikuo said without hesitation just as he thought, I have a bad feeling about this…
"Anything? Do you swear it?"
"Of course!" Rikuo nodded. "It's you, after all." He just wanted everything to go back to the way they were.
"Okay…" her voice trailed off. "Then promise me you'll forget about Yoru."
That caught Rikuo off guard. She had just rejected Yoru, and now she was forcing Rikuo to forget about him already? Had she felt so much disdain for the crimson eyed yokai? "B-But mom, Yoru is…"
"You said you'd promise me anything," she said sternly. "Don't tell me you're lying?" Her words stabbed right through Rikuo, and he didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he was left with no choice.
"…Okay, mom. I promise," Rikuo uttered.
Wakana smiled her bright smile this time, but Rikuo still didn't see it as a genuine smile of hers. "Thank you, Rikuo," she said as she exited the room.
You're not the mom I know. Rikuo sighed softly to himself, lacing his fingers together. But I'll call it quits with Yoru… for you. Of course, he wouldn't want to do that; after all, he admitted to himself he loved Yoru. His heart had started hurting again. Then a dark afterthought infiltrated his mind, Wouldn't everything be better if this heart stopped beating?
LATER
Rikuo stared at the dull ceiling for the rest of the day. Wakana wasn't back yet, and it was already evening. He could barely see anything in the dusk of the room.
So in the end, I couldn't sleep, Rikuo thought. I feel so tired yet wide awake. He then sat upright from the bed for the umpteenth time, frowning. He began reflecting about all the recent events that occurred, Maybe this is what they call reality; the fact Yoru and I can't be together in the first place. It's understandable. Yoru is a yokai and I'm a human. We live in very different worlds, worlds that shouldn't meddle and intertwine. But love should counter just that, right? But then again, this is reality. He sighed loudly. What about Nurarihyon-sama and YoHime-sama? No, they're a different story. Rikuo stared through the slats, partially illuminating the room. YoHime was willing to leave everything for Nurarihyon-sama. That was how much… she was in love with him. Now that I think about it, how much do I love Yoru? His heart then started racing. It was never a good sign. I guess I can't dwell on that yet. But one thing is for sure…
"Rikuo."
Yoru appeared before Rikuo, smiling. Yoru obviously came from the window sneakily as always. The sight of the yokai never ceased to perk up Rikuo.
"Yoru." Rikuo smiled back. "Thanks for dropping by. I really needed it."
I love… he continued his musing.
"…So that I could finally break my ties with you."
…my mom.
Yoru's eyes widened, but his expression immediately turned nonchalant, to Rikuo's surprise.
He still must be registering his shock. He's furious, I can tell, he thought. "I'm really sorry, Yoru."
"Don't be."
"!" Rikuo stared at Yoru, flabbergasted. He's accepted this already? he thought, his chest tightening. Not a piece of hope was left inside him. It was all burned to ashes, and just when he thought Yoru was the only hope he had. I knew this day would eventually come… but… I just wasn't prepared for it. He swore he could break down at any moment.
Yoru surprisingly winked at Rikuo. "I know you don't actually want to do this," he said. "Your face gave everything away."
"Eh?" Rikuo didn't know if he wanted to smack or hug the hell out of Yoru. "But—"
Yoru pulled the brunette close to him, their faces inches apart once again. "And I know you still love me."
"Rikuo…" the yokai muttered as he tilted his head to the side, leaning towards Rikuo. The brunette then felt the other's lips brush against his.
I guess I can't let go of Yoru after all, Rikuo thought, their kiss deepening. He was being sent into bliss again, a bliss he wouldn't mind being in forever. I can't hide the fact that I'm in love with him.
As their lips parted, Yoru clenched his fist, sighing in relief. "Success."
Rikuo blinked. "Success? What're you talking about?"
"I didn't have to go the extra mile tonight," Yoru replied. "I try really hard to resist the urge, y'know?" He was talking so casually it was as if he was talking about the weather. But that was too much information for poor innocent Rikuo.
Rikuo turned his head, his face flushed. Yoru definitely ruined the moment. "Stop being blunt, will you?" His feelings were a rollercoaster ride. It was like he had mood swings.
Yoru wore a poker face. "Huh? Why? Don't you want to do it too?"
Rikuo's eyes widened as he gaped at the other. "What?! I never—I didn't—No!" he exclaimed, his heart beating like crazy. Since when was Yoru ever this stupidly blunt? It was unbelievable.
Yoru's index finger trailed around Rikuo's chest, smirking playfully. "But can't you see? You're seducing me right now with that cute face of yours." He chuckled. "You're cunning, you know that?"
A tick mark was visible on Rikuo's forehead. Yoru had gone way too far this time. "You're letting yourself be seduced with those fantasies of yours, so shut up about that and tell me what you're doing here?"
"Changing the subject, huh?" Yoru rubbed his chin, his expression taunting the other. "Cunning indeed."
"Do you want me to hit you that bad?"
Yoru rolled his eyes and had cut to the chase, as usual. "Well, we'd have eloped by now, but—"
"Eloped?! Are you crazy?!" Cold sweat dropped from Rikuo's forehead. Really, Yoru was the epitome of unpredictable… and insane.
The crimson eyed yokai then held Rikuo's hand. "We'll just have to make her accept us then," he said sensibly.
Rikuo nodded, smiling. "Right." With Yoru by my side, I know I can defy reality.
THE NEXT MORNING
Rikuo slowly opened his eyes, the rays of the sun giving off a harsh glare. Ah, I finally slept, was his first thought that morning. His jaw dropped in shocked the next second. A particular someone was asleep beside him. Huh? Why's Yoru sleeping right next to me?! He clearly recalled Yoru exiting the room last night… Yoru was truly… troublesome.
"Well, well, well…" said a voice too familiar that it almost made Rikuo's heart stop.
Rikuo quickly turned his head. "Mom!"
"Looks like you lied," Wakana said, her face solemn. Why did she have to be a downer first thing in the morning? "You didn't keep your promise."
It was time to stand up for Yoru this time, just as how Yoru stood up for him for all the other times. "But Mom, Yoru's different! He…" He gazed at the sleeping yokai conveniently disguised as a human. "He saved me more than I could count. He's done everything for me. I owe a lot to him. He's faithful, loyal and honest. Sure, he may be blunt and all, but… I love Yoru. And I know he loves me too." He felt so guilty and embarrassed at the same time he didn't want to meet eyes with Wakana. "I'm sorry I can't forget him for you. I just…" He closed his eyes tighy. He was abashed more than he could ever be. "I love him too much."
He heard a sniffle coming from Wakana, to his surprise. "M-Mom?"
"I'm sorry, Rikuo!" wailed Wakana.
Rikuo blinked. He got confused there for a second. "Huh? Sorry?"
"I just wanted to tease you and Yoru-kun a little but I guess I went a too far," Wakana explained in between sobs. "I felt so guilty."
"Eeeeeh?!" Rikuo exclaimed. His eyes then shifted. "S-So… you knew about me and Yoru all along?" He pointed at her then at himself.
Wakana happily clasped her hands. "Uh-huh!"
Rikuo thought he was going to die of sheer embarrassment. "Since when did you…"
"I know you more than anyone. I raised you, you know," Wakana narrowed her eyes at her son.
"Ah." Rikuo was just taken aback by all this. It was all too sudden.
"Lately you've been happier than usual, so I was like 'what's making my little Rikuo this happy?' Then when Yoru introduced himself, I knew you guys had something special together. I mean, you always hang out together. And he's always at your beck and call. I knew you were depressed that one time because you and Yoru fought. It's all about Yoru for you. Yoru, Yoru, Yoru. The way you two behave with each other isn't some friendly or brotherly relationship at all," she explained. Okay, that left Rikuo downright dumbstruck. "It's about time you admitted it to me though."
Yoru's eyes fluttered open, and the first person he saw was Wakana. His eyes widened and he immediately got up. "M-Mother!" he exclaimed.
"Ah, good morning, Yoru-kun."
"Y-Yoru?" Rikuo said wearily. It seemed like Yoru didn't hear a single thing.
Yoru pulled Rikuo into a tight embrace. "I apologize for being stubborn but I really, truly love your son, and I want us to be together no matter what. I know you may not accept us yet, but I know in time you will. Please think it over and reconsider." The tone of his voice was unyielding.
"Ah, er, Yoru…?"
Wakana blinked. "Wow, Yoru-kun. I didn't know you were that much of a deep sleeper," she commented.
Yoru look lost. "Huh?"
"Everything's okay now, Yoru. Mom was just playing with us. You can stop with the formalness now," said Rikuo, chuckling nervously. As usual, Yoru had no fear and still remained audacious. It was like a trademark of his.
"Ah, I see," Yoru said. "Then… we can get married now, yes?"
"No!" Wakana and Rikuo shouted in unison.
LATER
Rikuo was finally out of the hospital. Wakana went ahead of Rikuo and Yoru, since she already knew about their relationship. And she wanted them to have their own time together. She was that considerate and kind. They walked en route for Ukiyoe High School, since Rikuo had to go to class again.
"I'm so glad Mother approves of us," said Yoru, smiling. Rikuo swore he could see sparkles from the other's eyes.
Rikuo chuckled. "Whatever you say, Yoru."
Yoru gazed thoughtfully at Rikuo and kissed his forehead out of the blue, but more likely, out of impulse. "I love you, Rikuo."
"I love you too, Yoru."
Yoru felt like Cupid's Arrow went right through his heart. Yep, he was lovestruck. "R-Rikuo, you..."
Rikuo rolled his eyes, and scratched his cheek bashfully. "Let's just say something changed in me, okay? Now can you get over it already?"
The yokai smiled widely, well, a little wider than usual.
"Now what's got you smiling like that, Yoru?" Rikuo asked.
Yoru folded his arm against his chest, looking at the blue sky. "I was just thinking that we should head somewhere this coming summer."
"Yeah, we should!" Rikuo nodded, but he then blinked. "But where?" He blinked again. "Wait…" His eyes widened. "A trip with just the two of us?!"
"Why not?" Yoru shrugged. "This will be our first summer together, after all."
He's right, but still, I feel uncertain, especially after what he admitted last night. The very thought sent chills down Rikuo's spine, then like always, he started to panic. When we're alone, things might go out of control and—
"Oh, and Tsurara, old man and the other would tag along with us too," Yoru pointed out just now. "It's a clan thing."
"Okay," Rikuo said, sweating bullets. About time you said it! he wanted to scream at the yokai.
Yoru was smiling like a kid with his favorite candy. "But we can still sightsee together, just the two of us."
"That sounds great!" Rikuo agreed. Wow, Yoru sure is talking a lot more these days. And he's smiling a lot too… he thought. This warm atmosphere around us… It's so comforting.
They've finally settled things after their brief discussion.
"So… Kyoto it is then?" Yoru asked for confirmation.
"Definitely!" Rikuo nodded excitedly.
"Let's make this a summer we'll never forget."
"We'll fill it with fun memories!"
What Rikuo didn't know was that every moment with him was not only fun, but precious and unforgettable for Yoru. "And we'll do just that."
A/N: Wow, and a month later, I've finally updated! This should have been updated sooner, but the laptop crashed and it took a few days before it was back in black again. Well, at least I've updated right?
Looks like I've been inserting stupid sexual innuendos here more recently, huh? Ha-ha. Well, that's how far I go though. I can never write and stoop to that level. "Tier fifteen" if you would put it Jake the Dog-ly. LOL.
The fluffy arc isn't over just yet. It's just beginning actually. Teehee. Stay tuned for it!
