Warning over the PG-13 limey hotness in here so you've been cautioned/baited. And thanks to my beta ParallelBlue13115- I'm such a dolt I posted the non-beta-ed version by accident :hits self in head with hammer: enjoy and review!
Disclaimer: sCRYed ain't mine. Don't sue. I have nothing you would want. Honest.
Chapter 4a
One week has passed and the occupants of Tachibana's house have marginally settled down.
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True to his word, Straight Cougar has stuck around and is back in tip top shape. Like everything else, he sped through his recovery and was up and about again after only 2 days, with just a bit of help from Tachibana's healing powers. He has divided his time between staying at Tachibana's house and visiting Urizane and Elian, with whom he's become even closer friends since his "episode." He's also kept a close eye on Mimori, trying to help her with whatever chores he can and lavishing her with his full attention.
Meanwhile Kazuma has been steadily improving, pushing himself to recover out of shear boredom. He's been exploring the house, barn and surrounding area despite Kanami's and Mimori's protests, but hey, that's just his nature. He's been a bit more patient with letting Mimori examine him, mostly because she brings Cougar with her, but also because Kanami has steadily shamed him into behaving. His new favorite hobby is now lounging on the sofa with his feet of the coffee table watching the few television channels that are available. Usually Kanami sits next to him with Tachibana's rescued Puuri perched near his shoulder. For some unfathomable reason the little creatures have taken an unusual liking to the abrupt teen. Go figure.
Kanami has been keeping a watchful eye on Kazuma since they have reunited, clucking over him like a mother hen. She is always within whispering distance of him, but Kazuma doesn't seem to mind in the least. She also drops in on Ryuho often, probably being one of the few smiling faces he sees regularly. However, she finds his morose and pensive moods to be anything but welcoming to visitors. She can tell that he just won't accept any happiness for himself and, like Mimori, she grudgingly respects the space he seems to need.
Ryuho has been recovering quickly, too. However, for the entire week he has mostly kept to his room, coming out only for meals and solo workouts in the yard behind the house. Though Mimori checks on him two times a day, they have not exchanged words since their fight, with the exception of verbal commands for his examinations. They are tense around each other and sometimes Tachibana comes in with her to play sentinel by leaning cross-armed in the doorway and frowning.
Even with everyone's rapid recoveries Mimori still barely has a moment to herself, having to fuss over two hospital-grade patients along with performing her normal tasks and chores. Even with Cougar's help, the work load and lack of sleep have started to catch up with her. However she still maintains a fresh smile for everyone and trudges forward. She hasn't stepped foot in AIM headquarters all week, thinking it better that their houseguests don't know of the depth of Tachibana's and her involvement with the organization. She is in no hurry to field those kinds of questions yet and wants the organization to have a more solid foundation before too many details are disclosed. She isn't looking forward to when it will all come out but she'll cross that proverbial bridge when she comes to it. Right now, she just needs to stay on her feet. The excitement may have subsided for now, but Mimori has a sinking feeling that all of their troubles are about to turn a corner.
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Ryuho jerks himself out of another sweat-drenching, vividly torturing dream. All the typical elements had been present once again- sickeningly familiar images of sacrificed loved ones accompanied by emotions of despair and helplessness. And yet there was also that presence- so eerily soothing and familiar, yet not quite recognizable. It was haunting in a good way, chasing away fears and doubts, and calling for his trust and care. It urged him to be introspective and emotionally attentive, to lower his defenses, and he longed to surrender to its powerful urgings and promises of contentment. However, there was no one to talk to, no one to understand.
Since joining HOLY Ryuho hadn't needed anyone to 'talk to'. His crusade against Native Alters was enough companionship before, but now the vacancy it left behind has affected him on many levels. The closest person to understand his torment would have likely been Mimori, but present circumstances make confiding in her an impossibility. He'd wanted to try apologizing and talking to her when she checked on him. However he just couldn't bring himself to say anything, especially with Tachibana scowling at him across the room, reminding him what an unforgivable prick he'd been.
Ryuho sighs and pulls on the black t-shirt that was once Tachibana's but is now his. It's a bit small so he'd cut the neck out of it, but he doesn't care. He would prefer the comfort of his old HOLY uniform, but it was left in tatters after his battle with Kazuma a week ago. He probably shouldn't be wearing that uniform in the Lost Ground anyway, what with things the way they are. At least the pants will still serve, though Cammy had to do some serious sewing to get them wearable again. Despite the inconvenience he had nevertheless insisted and Cammy claimed she didn't mind.
Tachibana minded. Ryuho had noticed that ever since his falling out with Mimori, Tachibana had lost any respect he might have had for the older teen. The boy's new favorite hobby appeared to be shooting murderous glances at Ryuho any time their eyes met. Of course, reflecting on what had transpired between Mimori and himself last week he could hardly blame the boy. Hell, if he'd seen anyone else treat Mimori as he had he'd probably have put hands on them.
That is why Ryuho isn't surprised at the chilly reception he receives from the purple-headed Alter user when he makes his way into the kitchen in search of the back door. Tachibana is sitting at the table perusing some unidentifiable documents over a plate of apple slices. Upon seeing Ryuho he tightens his jaw and sets his arm across his papers. Ryuho decides he at least owes the teen a parting word of thanks, even if it won't be received very well.
"Tachibana, I'd like to thank you for letting me stay in your house to recover. I know it must have been inconvenient to feed and care for me. I hope to repay you someday."
Tachibana gives him a derisive chuckle before offering, "I didn't do anything extraordinary. You should be extending your appreciation to Mimori."
Ryuho catches the condescension in his voice but continues, "I intend to do that momentarily. I will take my leave once we're finished here. I have a feeling I've overstayed my welcome."
Tachibana raises an inquisitive eyebrow. "You're leaving? Right now?" Sensing potential repercussions from Mimori, he adds, "You don't have to go if you aren't ready yet. No one will force you."
Ryuho gives him mental kudos for manners in the face of boiling anger. "It's time I left. I have matters to see to."
"No doubt something exceedingly important." It seems the anger is winning again.
"Before I go, I'd like to ask a favor of you."
Tachibana again quirks an eyebrow over his sideways glance at Ryuho. "A favor?"
"I ask that you keep an eye on Miss Kiryu and see that she does not come to any harm."
Fresh fury rises in Tachibana at this request. "For your information, I have been looking out for Mimori and I will continue to do so. Not because you asked, mind you, but because she is my friend and I care for her very much! That's what you do for people you care about!"
"I assumed that would be your response; however I had to ask nevertheless."
"Well you've asked and I've answered and now you can go."
"I intend to as soon as I speak with Miss Kiryu. Do you know where I might find her?"
Tachibana is really unnerved that in the face of someone snapping at him, Ryuho still has a strong hold on his social graces… this time. He hesitates, belying his protective intentions. "She's up on the rocks above the house. Should I come with you to find her?"
Ryuho immediately understands the implications of the teen's inquiry. "That won't be necessary. I assure you my words will be chosen very… carefully."
He can tell that Tachibana is still weighing the possible outcomes of another Mimori/Ryuho encounter.
"I honestly intend no harm. I promise it will be brief."
Tachibana grudgingly consents by pointedly returning his attention to his documents and food.
"Thank you again. I wish you luck," Ryuho says before turning his back on Tachibana to exit the house, fully aware that the teen is probably rolling his eyes in exasperation. Ryuho doesn't care. Things like that used to bother him, but they don't anymore. None of it mattered anymore. Ryuho has already made his decision. There was just one matter left to address.
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After a brief yet tiring struggle Ryuho has topped the cliff above the little house to find Mimori. She is perched on a flat rock with a small manual across her lap, losing a battle to fend off sleep. He gets within an arm's reach of her before she notices his presence.
When she finally sees him she gives an involuntary jerk of alertness. Cautiously, she searches his face for some sort of cue to his mood to see how she should proceed. Concern overrides her usual grapple between anger and bashfulness. "You shouldn't be out here. You still have some healing to do."
Seeing Mimori on her guard prompts the addition of a hint of gentleness to Ryuho's tone. "I'm fine, really," even though he's still covered in bandages. "Your care was very… thorough, and it seems I'm back on my feet sooner than expected."
He then hesitates before his next words, unsure as to how he should continue. He allows a moment of uncomfortable silence to settle before proceeding. "Since our last, um, discussion, I've had some time to reflect upon what you said. It was… enlightening."
He can see her mind grasping flashbacks from their confrontation and mentally chastises himself once again for his idiocy. She begins to offer her own apology but he cuts her off. "We both know that the… intensity of arguments often cuts away at properness for society's sake, allowing true feelings to surface, even if we never meant for those feelings to be communicated."
His words tap a chink in her defenses and he notes with satisfaction the fraction of ease that creeps into her eyes. Barely perceptible muscles in her face and arms loosen, and he realizes that he now has an attentive audience. Emboldened, he continues, "Since leaving HOLY I have requested that you respect my need to defend the Lost Ground the way I deem necessary, despite whatever conflicting opinions you may have. It appears as though I have not… reciprocated this understanding. I should respect your desires to help those of the Lost Ground in the manner you see fit."
At this admission, Mimori gives Ryuho a warm smile. She knows how very difficult it must be for him to express these feelings- even if they are only expressions of tolerance. For Ryuho she guesses it must be akin to giving a speech in his underwear. Or perhaps this is even more challenging- Ryuho likely had enough nobility to lend the luxury of a tuxedo to a pair of ratty boxer shorts. Hmm… boxers or briefs…?
"Besides, it is obvious that you are entirely too obstinate to heed anyone else's warnings, regardless of their accuracy. You have been nothing if not mulishly consistent in doing whatever you please, damn the perils."
She looks up at him from her perch and smirks at the backhanded compliment, playfully poking his arm- right on a bandage covering a deep laceration. Ryuho lets out only the slightest hint of a wince but she catches it and immediately realizes what she's done.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! I'm such a klutz. Let me see." She grabs his elbow and guides him closer so that she can get a better vantage and fuss over the wound. Before he can protest she has gently peeled back the corners of the bandage to reveal the skin beneath. Upon inspection she finds the surrounding bruise lightening and the laceration closed, clean and dry. Little does she know, her inspection is leaving a trail of heat in the wake of her fingertips. She doesn't realize that her gentle touch is eliciting suggestive thoughts from her unwitting patient…
Until Mimori glances up into Ryuho's eyes and catches the tail end of a peculiar and somewhat unfamiliar look. Was that… lust? Am I… However, it disappears immediately, replaced once again by his stern façade. She almost dismisses it as a figment of her imagination, but curiosity tugs at the corners of her mind taunting desires to conjure that look from him again. In the most innocent-looking manner she can muster, Mimori slowly replaces that bandage and goes to "inspect" others.
With half-clinical and half-ulterior intentions, she painstakingly examines the dressings on his shoulder, collarbone, and chin. Each time she peels back the gauzy covering and deftly explores the wound, sending a ghost of a touch over his skin with her delicate fingers before carefully reattaching the tape. Moving methodically and meticulously, she betrays no emotion during the entire examination, just as her medical education had taught her. As she works, Ryuho searches her face for clues to her assessment but can interpret nothing from the austere caregiver. With annoyance and curiosity he wonders if his own painstakingly constructed façade is as unnerving. He is intrigued by the fact that he cannot read anything from this typically emotionally open woman.
She moves to the wounds on his face- these bandages she removes and leaves off- babying the skin where the adhesive once stuck. Ryuho internally wrestles for control like an alligator but he's losing fast. Mimori leans in to explore the marks on his face- the wound over his eye, the cut on his cheek, and the split in the corner of his lip. Her close inspection of each leaves her less than an inch from his face and he is forced to stare at her cheek… her nose… her lips…
Before he realizes what he's done, Ryuho has leaned in and is gently kissing her, mirroring her soft touch on her own lips. It's like breaking the surface of the ocean after several minutes underwater- he needs to, has no other option but to kiss her. In an instant everything in his life has fallen away, leaving only sun-kissed skin and cherry-plump lips. He does not assail; it is more of a taste- the satisfaction of a curiosity that has suddenly welled and swelled within him. She tastes like… what can describe it?... warm moonlight, perhaps, or the air in a fragrant orchard… so deliciously light yet voluminous. Does that even make sense? Does he even care?
Mimori hadn't really expected anything to come of her experimental taunting. However, after her shock recedes she eagerly returns the kiss, placing her hands on the sides of his chest and standing up to lean into him. Ryuho instinctively accepts the invitation and increases the pressure of the kiss, moving across her mouth hungrily and wrapping strong arms around her back and waist. She happily sighs against his mouth and grabs handfuls of his shirt to pull closer.
When her chest presses against his he loses what little control he had and begins devouring her, pressing into her and stealing her breath even as she demands more. Her taste is overwhelming and her simultaneous softness and spunk infects him, suspending all semblance of normality. He has wanted to be closer to her for a long time, but he can't ever remember needing her, needing anything other than getting even closer. He will never be able to drink his fill of her and he doesn't care about the loss of control- the reward is so deliciously intoxicating.
The taste of blood in her flavor shocks him to reality and he realizes with horror that he has bitten her lip. He is pushing into her even as she is trying to pull away, his arms like tight vises, and the pressure of his mouth is abusing her delicate lips. She is heavy in his arms from her legs giving out under her. He violently pulls away from her, almost dropping her.
He has the sense to hold on and deposit her on the nearby rock where she was perched earlier. As he sets her down she again grabs hold of his shirt front, not wanting to let go. He wants nothing more than to return to her but he can't give in. He has hurt her even as she has begged for it and he is furious at himself for doing so. He wrenches himself away and purposefully turns away from her reaching grasp.
"Ryuho…"
He starts to say something but can't. Instead he walks away, leaving her on the cliff panting and confused. He doesn't walk back to the house, doesn't even take the road. He just keeps walking off purposefully, melting into the horizon.
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Mimori makes her way back into the house, weak and reeling from emotional overload. She reaches Kazuma in the front room first. Her unsteady gait and bewildered look causes him to shoot up off the couch and grab her arms to support her. She flinches under his grip and his worry deepens. He's never seen the girl so shaken.
"He's leaving. He just started walking… You need to go after him," she mutters with urgency. However, to Kazuma who doesn't know what has happened outside, her shaky appearance and split lip take immediate priority.
"Wait, sit down. Are you okay? You're bleeding." He gently pushes her down on the couch and kneels in front of her as Tachibana enters from another part of the house. His instant visual assessment of the scene causes him to panic.
"What the hell happened? Mimori, what's wrong?"
"It's Ryuho, he's leaving…"
Tachibana cuts her off when he sees her lip, "Did he hit you! Sonofabitch!"
"No, no he didn't hit me… he… you have to go after him."
"Like hell!" Tachibana spits. It's hard to believe that Kazuma is the one staying calm.
"Ryuho can take care of himself. Right now you're the one's not lookin' so hot." When she doesn't react, doesn't even flash him a threatening look, he knows it's serious. He locks her chocolate eyes with his own, "You wanna tell us what happened?"
The eye contact brings Mimori around and it seems like she sees Kazuma in front of her for the first time. She looks over into the face of a very worried Tachibana and immediately feels foolish for making such a rattling entrance.
"It's… he… nothing happened. I just, I didn't know he was leaving." When she sees that the worry has not left either man's face she searches her mind for a more convincing response. "I must have stayed out there too long. It's so hot- I think I got close to fainting. I bit my lip."
"Well we should get you some ice for it. Maybe you should drink some water, too," Kazuma offers, then looks over to the other. Tachibana wordlessly retreats to the kitchen to scare up what he can. When he is gone and they are alone, Kazuma asks her once again, "you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah… fine." This time even Mimori believes herself.
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A/N: Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers! Y'all are so patient and kind, and your positive words really push me to continue! Y'all rock, especially my repeat reviewers! Yee-haa!
Next installment: more on AIM and the Faceless. Let's get some plot underway!