Yamato pulled into the parking garage of his apartment complex. Without waiting for Yanato to come open the door for her, Sera opened it herself and stepped out.
"It's beginning to snow heavier now," Sera commented as she watched the snow fall through the window. Yamato locked his car and walked over to her side, "I'm a bit worried about my mom though…"
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Yamato reassured her. Yamato and his father both have the same personality when it comes to the woman in their lives. They will go through thick and thins, hills and mountains to make sure that the person whom they're interested in is perfectly safe.
He rubbed Sera's shoulders to let her know that everything will be okay. Sera turned to give him a small smile before following him to the elevator. Yamato pressed the fifth button floor before closing the elevator door.
"Are you hungry?" Yamato asked, "we were so caught up with cleaning the café that I forgot to ask if you wanted something to eat on the way here."
Sera placed a hand on her stomach, "I am, a bit," she said, "I don't think I've eaten since seven."
"I'll see what I have in my apartment," Yamato told her. Yamato's phone rung in his pants letting him know that he had received a text message. He pulled it out to see Tusk's name flashing on his screen.
"Who is it?" Sera asked, trying her best to not lean over and check if it was her mom.
"Tusk," Yamato answered. He hit the ignore button and stuffed his phone back into his pocket. The elevator stopped at the 5th floor and the door opened. Yamato walked out first with Sera following behind. He stopped at a door with a sign that said "Kazakiri" and opened it. The both of them walked into a very clean genkan. Sera slipped off her shoes and stood there and waited while Yamato did the same. Yamato opened the shoe closet beside him and pulled out a black pair of house slippers, "for my guests," he said and placed it in front of Sera. Sera slipped in and walked up the one step stair.
"Your place, it's really nice," She commented.
Yamato slipped on his house slippers as well, "thank you," he replied, "follow me," he said. Sera nodded and followed Yamato down the short hallway that lead into an extravagant living area. The living area was as big as her apartment with her mother. It had high ceilings that seemed to go on forever. The living area had a very interested ceiling light. The light was carved into the ceiling in a shape of a circle and inside the circle were two ceiling lights, giving the room some depth and dimension. The room was rounded so it had windows that started at the ceiling and extended downward until it met the floor and it wrapped throughout the whole entire room until it met the end of the apartment. Giving the apartment extravagate views and more space. The floor was made of linoleum white tiles which was seen throughout the whole living area and in the kitchen. In the living are sat a television by the wall with a photo of a beautiful green flower hanging above it. In front of the television was a white sofa that held approximately four people. It was decorated with a two deep blue sofa pillows and a red and blue striped sofa pillow. Beside the sofa was a light brown side table that held a fake plant and some books here and there. On the ground in front of the sofa was a white rug that had a light brown rectangular coffee table sitting on top of it. To the far right side of the living room was a fireplace (not a real one but one that can still heat up the apartment). To the left side of the living area was the eating area. It held a long dining table that held approximately six people. Hanging from the ceiling was a beautiful circular three tiered chandelier made of nothing but glass. Behind the dining table was the kitchen area. It had light brown wooden counter top with a sink sitting in the middle of it. The stove was across the sink but on the other side of the kitchen area. Beside the other side of the counter top was the fridge that held Yamato's foods.
To Sera's right was a hallway that led to what she's guessing the rooms and restrooms of this apartment.
"Have a seat at the sofa, I'll go see if I can whip up something fast for you," Yamato suggested.
Following Yamato's orders, Sera walked over to the sofa and sat down while Yamato entered the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge.
"Do you want any help?" Sera asked.
"I think I'll be fine," Yamato answered. A few minutes later, he pulls out food items to cook a fast but tasty pasta dish for the both of them. Sera sat at the sofa watching Yamato do all the cooking. After half an hour later, Yamato turned off the stove and placed his homemade pasta into two plates. He brought it over to the dining table and set them down on top of the eating mats. After he was done setting up the table for dinner (and also very proud of himself) Yamato glanced over to call Sera for dinner but saw that she was already napping on the sofa. He walked over to her and squatted down, "Hey," he called softly.
Sera stirred in her sleep and then opened her eyes. Yamato's handsome face came into view which caused her to widen her eyes and jolt herself, "I'm so sorry that dozed off," she apologized while rubbing her tired eyes.
Yamato chuckled and sat beside her, "Are you too tired to eat?" he asked.
Sera yawned and stretched beside him, "A bit," she answered, 'and I'm a bit cold too," she placed both hands on her arms and rubbed them for heat. Yamato got up from the sofa and walked over to the fireplace, "is it real?" she asked, "I didn't see any chimney when we were driving into the parking garage."
"It's not, but this fireplace does its job," Yamato answered. He grabbed the remote control sitting by the television entertainment and turned on the fireplace.
"That's pretty handy to have a fireplace in your apartment," Sera commented. She felt the heat of the fireplace seep into the room. It circled her shivering body and calmed her down, "it heats up pretty quick in here," she stated and took off her jacket and scarf.
"It does," Yamato walked over to the dining table and began cleaning up the food.
"Wait. I can eat since I'm awake and you took your time to make dinner for us," Sera said and got up from the sofa. She walked over to where Yamato was standing and sat down in the chair, "thank you for dinner," she told him with a cheeky smile.
Yamato chuckled and pinched her cheeks then walked over to the empty chair that had a plate of pasta sitting in front of it. He slid in and the both of them began eating.
After dinner, and with the help of Sera the two of them cleaned up the mess and were now sitting in front of the television watching the late night shows. Sera was sitting beside Yamato with her feet propped on the sofa and leaning onto the arm chair beside her. She left a few space in between them so it wouldn't become too awkward. The two of them sat there, not talking and concentrating on the television when a huge howl of wind came rattling the window of the apartment. Sera jumped in freight as she stared straight at the window.
"The wind is angry tonight," she commented.
As soon as she said that, the electricity goes out immediately including the fireplace.
"Damn," Yamato cursed and got up from the sofa, "seems like the blizzard knocked out the electricity."
Sera stood up and stretched as well, "I guess it's time to call it a night," she said and yawned, "but with the fireplace gone, it's starting to get cold in here," she rubbed her arms creating friction to keep her warm.
"Here wear this," Yamato grabbed his long coat and wrapped it around her shoulders, "apparently my apartment is only a one bedroom apartment so you can sleep in my room while I sleep out here," he suggested.
"No no, this is your place," Sera refused, "it only makes sense for me to sleep out here."
"Are you sure?" Yamato asked and she nodded, "okay well let me go bring extra blankets and pillows for you then."
Sera watched as Yamato walked away from her and disappeared into the hallway. She shivered in the coat and glanced at the window. Indeed the blizzard had kicked up. The window was now iced with snow and the wind was howling so angry that she felt like the whole place was shaking. Sera didn't like to be left alone during storms like this, be it blizzards or thunder storms. She hated that feeling waking up in the middle of the night to hear nothing but the angry storm pounding against her bedroom window. Usually when a storm comes about, Sera would make the decision to sleep with her mom so that she would feel safe. But because she's not home, Sera had no choice but to face her fear.
Yamato returned with a pile of blankets and some pillow. He placed it on the coffee table and began fixing the sofa area for Sera to sleep on. After he was done, Sera walked up to the sofa and sat down, "Thank you Yamato," she said.
"Yeah no problem," Yamato replied, "I'll be in my room if you need anything. It's the first door to your right when you walk down the hallway," he instructed.
Sera nodded and after some reassurance to Yamato that she will be fine, Yamato finally left her alone to deal with her fear. Taking in a deep courageous breath, Sera got under the blanket and tried to drown out the sound of the wind.
"Hime-sama," an old man dressed in a red yukata called. He stopped in front of a traditional Japanese room made of rice papers and got on his knees, "your mother calls for you."
She sighed. She rolled her eyes. She stopped combing her long black hair and placed the comb on the vanity in front of her, "What business does she want with me?" she asked, a bit annoyed at the moment.
"I am not sure but she told me to come get you hime-sama," the man pressed on.
She got up from her sitting position and walked over to slide open the door She glared at the man first before turning to her left and making her way to go see her mother the queen. Once she entered the grand room, she made her way over to her parents and kneeled before them, "Your daughter Sera is here," she announced.
"Sera," her mother called, "your father and I are very disappointed in you."
Sera held her head low and bit her lips. She knew exactly what her mom was referring to. Sera was engaged to be married to another prince in Japan that goes by the name of Daisuke. Although she was engaged, she didn't agree to the arranged marriage. A few months ago, she met a person whom she said that was her soul mate but the only thing was he too was engaged to another princess in Japan. Even though engaged to different people, Sera and her soul mate still disobeyed their parents rules and met with each other.
"Yui told me that you went out of your way to meet him again last night," her mother angrily stated, "what have your father and I told you about him?"
"He is our enemy Sera," her father said this time, "their family and our family has never gotten along with each other."
"But I love him!" Sera shouted, and raised her head, "I love him can't you see?" she asked.
"Love cannot win your enemy my dear," her mother said softly this time, "he is just using you to conquer our part of land."
"No he is not mother," Sera argued, "he truly loves me for me," she placed a hand on her heart and wept, "you can't tell me who to love and who not to love."
"Yes we can!" her father shouted and stood up from his chair, "you are our only daughter and the only rightful one to succeed our throne, I will not allow my daughter make a fool of me by marrying our enemy."
"Is that all I am to you father?" Sera asked with tears in her eyes, "nothing but a tool to you?"
"Sera…your father…,"
"No, I don't' want to hear any of this any longer!" Sera shouted and stood up from her kneeling position. She covered her ears and ran out of the grand room. She ran, ran until her legs couldn't carry her anymore. Sera stopped in the woods by a quiet river. She braced herself against the tree and wept. Why? How? Why couldn't her parents understand that she loved him? Why are they torturing her? Don't they understand what love means? Didn't they marry out of love as well?
"Sera…," cam a familiar voice and a familiar presence. The hair on Sera's back stood as the person who called for her name stepped closer, "Sera," came the voice again.
She gulped. She wanted to run but somehow her legs wouldn't carry her anymore. Her legs felt like they weighed a thousand tons. Sera knew all too well who this person was. It was the same exact person who followed her in the cornfield. The person whom she wanted to get rid of.
"Sera…," came the voice again.
"Don't come any closer!" Sera shouted.
The person didn't oblige to her orders. Instead she was spun forcefully around to face him. Expecting to see a face, Sera was once again met with nothing but a black silhouette.
And she screamed.
The hand of her follower covered her mouth and his head moved side to side to scan if anyone had heard her scream, "Shhh," he hissed, "they might hear you."
"Let me go," she muttered into his hand.
"I can't," the person said. After Sera struggled for a few moments, she stopped. Her follower uncapped her mouth and grabbed her by the shoulders, "don't you remember me Sera?" he asked.
Sera stayed silent.
"I'm your lover. We met during a festival in your city. You dropped your hairpin and I had returned it to you. You and I fell madly and deeply in love with each other but our families' threatened to tear us apart. That's when we ran away together and met this old lady who said that she could help us. But with one consequence."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Sera half shouted half whispered, "I don't even know who you are."
"You died for me Sera," the person pressed on, "don't you remember? You died for me so that we could be together for eternity."
Sera shook her head and began struggling again, "let me go! I don't know who you are!"
Yamato awoke in the middle of the night, feeling thirsty with an itchy throat. He got out of bed and rubbed the sleep out from his eyes. Slipping on his house slippers, Yamato dragged his way out of his bedroom to the kitchen for a cup of water. As soon as he stepped out of the hallway into the living area, he heard some rustling coming to his right side. He turned his attention over and saw Sera tossing and turning in her sleep, "Sera?" he called. Forgetting about his cup of water, Yamato walked over to Sera and shook her body, "hey, wake up," he called.
Sera's eyes shot open. Vision of the ceiling and the familiar surrounding came into view, "Where…where am I?" she asked.
"At my place," Yamato said.
Sera snapped her head to the side to see a Yamato's silhouette standing there. Instantly she sat up and scooted way from him, "Hey, what's the matter?" Yamato asked, not sure what has gotten into her.
"Stay away from me," Sera frantically demanded.
"Hey, Sera what's going on?" Yamato asked. He scooted forward and placed a hand on her head, "did you have a nightmare?" he asked, "it's okay, and the nightmare is gone. You're back to reality now."
Sera breathed in and out heavily. Noticing that it was nothing but a dream, Sera closed her eyes and let the warmth of Yamato's hand sooth her down, "Yeah, I did have a nightmare," she said.
"Oh? Would you mind telling me what it was so that you can get it out of your system?" he asked. Yamato got up to sit next to Sera on the sofa.
"Well…I…"
After letting Yamato in about her nightmare, Sera noticed that he wasn't saying anything to her, "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, nudging him in the stomach.
"Um…yeah," Yamato said, "so this person has been haunting you?"
Sera nodded.
"And he keeps asking if you remember him?"
Sear nodded again, "He makes it seem like we've had a past life together," she stated.
Yamato gave out a force chuckle and stood up, "Um…yeah…wow what a nightmare," he stretched and was about to walk away when Sera grabbed his wrist, "hm?"
"Can…can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" she asked, biting the bottom of her lips, "I'm scared I might fall back into that dream."
Yamato smiled and sat back down, "Sure," he said, "I'll be here all night long so don't be scared. I'll drive off any nightmare you have," he teased. Sera giggled and smacked Yamato in the stomach.
"I'm never fond of storms so…"
"How about this," Yamato suggested. He grabbed Sera by the shoulders and pulled her into him, "while you sleep, I'll keep the nightmares away by holding you tonight?" he asked.
Because of the darkness, Yamato didn't see Sera's face turning red. She didn't give him any answer but a nod of her head and snuggled into his chest.
"Yamato..," Sera called out his name after a few moments of silence.
"Hm?" Yamato hummed.
"What do you think of dreams? How do you interpret them?"
"Well, I think dreams are just dreams and you shouldn't worry about them so much," he lied, "go to sleep, you'll feel better soon tomorrow."
Sera nodded and drifted off to sleep.
In the dark, Yamato sat there staring at the white walls, "this is what you were talking about…right?" he murmured softly to himself after Sera had dozed off. He glanced down at the sleeping angelic face and swiped way some hair, "you'll start remembering our times together. But I wonder will you be scared of them?" he asked.
Yamato closed his eyes and let sleep consume him.
Let me know what you guys think. :D
