Disclaimer: I don't own HYD.
Rui's countryside estate…
Tsukushi sat on the stone bench in the garden, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. She took a deep breath in and released it, feeling more at peace than she's felt in a long time. It's been more than a week since she's been here. Almost a two months now. She heard footsteps approach.
"I told you."
She turned her head towards the sound of Rui's voice and smiled.. "Told me what?"
"That you'd like it here."
"Oh, okay Mr. Smarty Pants. You were right. I do like it here. It's so quiet and peaceful. I wish I was able to see it though," she said whimsically.
Rui sat next to her and held her hand. "You will, Tsukushi. I know you will. Whether it be today, tomorrow, or even next month, you'll get a chance to see it. You can come here anytime you like."
She turned towards him and smiled. "Thank you, Rui. I don't know what I would've done if I didn't have a friend like you."
"I'd do anything for you, Tsukushi," he said as he lifted her hand and gently kissed her knuckles.
Tsukushi, surprised at the gesture, blushed.
"Come on, pretty lady, it's time for lunch."
Tsukushi enjoyed her time with Rui at his estate. She felt like this was a whole different world from reality. She could forget about her past. Tsukushi rubbed the spot over her heart. 'Tsukasa.' She pushed that thought to the back of her mind. Locking all thoughts of Tsukasa away.
"You okay, Tsukushi?" Rui asked with a worried glance as they sat down to eat.
She smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine."
Rui was ever so kind to her. He took her on walks and read to her in the gardens, they picnicked and swam at the lake and he even taught her how to ballroom dance. He was the perfect gentlemen, patient and understanding. Tsuskushi was grateful to whatever being or force that brought Rui into her life.
"Penny for your thoughts."
Tsukushi snapped back from her thoughts and blushed. "What?"
Rui chuckled. "You're so cute Tsukushi. What's got you thinking so hard?"
"Just thinking that you're the kindest man I know. Thank you, Rui, truly, for everything you've done."
"Your welcome, Tsukushi, but if you really want to thank me, say that'll you'll go out with me tonight."
"Go out? Like where?" Tsukushi asked hesitantly.
"Just out for dinner. I thought it'd be nice to go out once in awhile. I've had you cooped up in this house for too long."
"Oh, it's okay, Rui, I love it here."
"So is that a no?" Rui asked with disappointment.
Tsukushi playfully dragged an exaggerated sigh and smiled. "I suppose we could go out tonight."
"Yay, I knew you'd say yes! I've got a dress picked out for you already. I'll go ahead and call a stylist to come to you tonight," Rui said happily.
"Wait… what?! A dress? Stylist? Where exactly are we going? Rui?!" Tsukushi exclaimed.
He tapped her nose with a finger. "Uh uh… you already said yes, so you can't back out now," he said smugly as he dug into his salad.
"Rui!"
The hairdresser gave her a final touch up on her make up before leaving. Tsukushi carefully touched her hair and then the dress Rui bought for her. Her hand slid down the silky fabric that wrapped around her body. The stylist told her it was a white colored dress with gold trims. Her thin stiletto strapped shoes were gold, also. She felt nervous. 'It's only Rui, why am I nervous?' She heard a gentle knock. She stood up.
"Come in."
Rui walked in the room and stopped, unable to take his eyes away from the woman standing in front of him.
"Rui?" she said nervously.
She heard him walk up to her. "You look beautiful, Tsukushi," he softly said.
She felt herself blush. "Thank you, Rui. Are you sure I look okay?"
"Definitely."
They stood there awkwardly. "Uhh… Tsukushi, this is for you."
"What is it?"
He handed her a single rose. "A rose," she said as she smelled it. "Thank you, Rui."
"And this."
She heard him stand behind her. She felt something cool slide around her neck. Her hand went up to touch it. "Rui…what is it?" She felt a ball at the center where the chain dipped. Her guess was that it was a pearl.
"Hmm? Oh, it's a necklace," he said as he clasped the necklace together.
"Rui, I know that. But knowing you, it must've cost a fortune. I can't accept this," she replied, fingering the smooth round pearl.
"You can and you will. This is just a token of friendship… and my affections."
"Rui…"
"You look stunning Tsukushi. Please just accept, okay?"
"Thank you," she said warmly. "I'll treasure it."
They made their way downstairs and out into Rui's gleaming silver Bentley. They talked on the way to the restaurant, joking and making fun of each other. They arrived to the restaurant, Giardino di Flori. The hostess took them to their private table on the terrace.
"Tsukushi what would you like to eat?"
"I don't know… what's good here?"
"Hmm well the lemon chicken pasta is good."
"I'll have that, then."
Rui gave their orders to the awaiting waitress before turning his attention back to his date.
"Have you been happy at with me Tsukushi?" Rui asked as he took a sip of wine.
"Of course, Rui. Why would you ask something like that?"
"Well, I've been thinking a lot lately," Rui said with his elbows resting on the table, chin on his hand.
"About?" Tsukushi asked.
"Us."
"Us?"
"You know how I feel about you Tsukushi… well I hope you do."
Tsukushi looked down. She knew how he felt. She knew every time he held her hand, brush light kisses on her cheeks or hands or hugged her longer than he needed to. She knew… but she wasn't ready to let herself love again. She still loved Tsukasa, even though she tried to deny it. She wished she could return his feelings, but she couldn't. It also wouldn't be fair to him if she pretended to him and herself that she was in love with him. He deserved so much more.
"I'm sorry, Rui…"
"Don't Tsukushi… I know. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up," he said quickly with a sad smile.
"I'm sorry, Rui. I wish I could… but I can't. You deserve someone who will love you and cherish you like a woman should. I'm… I'm just a broken girl who's still in love with someone who she can't have."
"No, don't say that Tsukushi. You're not broken. You're perfect the way you are. Any man in his right mind would jump at the chance to be with you."
"Thanks, Rui. You're such a sweetheart. I wish I could-"
Rui grabbed her hand. "Stop. It doesn't matter Tsukushi. I'm just glad to be your friend."
Tsukushi smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. Rui cupped her face with his palm and brushed the single tear away with his thumb. He bent forward and gently kissed her. "Don't cry. I'll always be here for you, Tsukushi," he softly whispered.
They enjoyed their meal in a quiet comfortable silence. Neither saying much, but they both knew it was going to be okay. One thing they didn't know was that they were being watched by a man sitting inside the restaurant.
Who's the man watching them? Another killer perhaps? Is Tsukushi never going to be out of danger with the men who loves her? Find out next time on Forever Yours... haha doesn't that totally sound like a preview to a cartoon show? lol sorry... but yes! Who is it? Find out in the next chapter! Please leave a review!