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She was thrown into a world of darkness again.
"Tsukushi…"
"Tsukasa?" she said as she walked towards him. She was stopped by a hand holding her wrist. She looked up to see Rui.
"Tsukushi, stay here."
"Tsukushi, come with me," Tsukasa said as he grabbed her other wrist.
"No, let go, Domyouji!" Rui yelled as he tugged her.
"You let go Hanazawa!" Tsukasa pulled her from the other side. The men started fighting, punching and yelling, "She's mine!"
"Stop it! Stop it you two!" Tsukushi cried.
"Look what you've done, bitch!" she heard Yuriko from behind.
Tsukushi turned around with shock. "Yuriko? It can't be."
"You're the cause of all of this! Why won't you go away?!" Yuriko yelled angrily. "They won't stop until one of them is dead…and it'll all be your fault."
"No, I didn't mean for this to happen," Tsukushi cried.
"Well now I'll end it. Say goodbye." Yuriko cocked the gun and pointed it at Tsukushi.
BANG!
Tsukushi woke up screaming, "NO!"
Yuki woke up from her slumber as she heard Tsukushi yell out. "Tsukushi? What's the matter?"
Tsukushi looked over at the sound of Yuki's voice. "I- I just had a bad dream."
"Are you ok?" she asked as she pressed the call button, summoning the doctor.
"Yeah." She heard beeping sounds. "Where are we?"
The doctor came into the room. "Tsukushi, I see you're awake now. It seems like every time you're released I see you again." He began checking her.
"What happened?"
"You don't remember?"
"I remember Tsukasa and Rui fighting then nothing more."
"Well you received a blow to your head as you fell. You've been out cold for the past 3 days."
"Oh…"
"Well all your tests came back okay. You have a bump the size of a small egg, but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong. I'd still like to keep you here until tomorrow, for observation. Just call the nurse when you feel any pain or headaches. She'll bring you your medication."
"Thank you, doctor," Yuki and Tsukushi said as he left.
"So, how are you feeling?"
"Honestly? Like shit."
Yuki laughed. "You must feel really bad for you to cuss."
Tsukushi laughed at that. "Ouch… okay, laughing isn't good," she grimaced as she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head.
"Are you alright? Want me to call the nurse?"
"No, I'll be okay. Just don't make me laugh," Tsukushi replied, rubbing her eyes.
"You sure you're alright, Tsukushi?" Yuki asked worriedly.
Tsukushi blinked a couple of times. She could see spots forming in her vision.
"Yeah I'm alright. I guess that blow's messing with my head."
"Just let me know if you need anything, okay?"
"Yeah, I will."
Soujiroh walked in. "Hey, Tsukky. You're up."
"Hey Soujiroh," Tsukushi greeted.
"OH MY GOD! What happened to your face?!" Yuki exclaimed.
"Oh, this? Stupid Tsukasa and Rui were fighting again. Akira and I tried to stop them, but Tsukasa accidentally hit me."
"Fighting? AGAIN?! Those two idiots," Yuki fumed.
"Fighting?" Tsukushi asked.
"Yeah, they fought in the hospital parking lot and got banned fro- OUCH! What was that for?" he complained as Yuki kicked him.
Yuki made some gestures pointing to Tsukushi. Soujiroh slapped a hand over his mouth.
"What? What's wrong?" Tsukushi asked when it went quiet. "What are you hiding?"
"Nothing."
"Okay, that just gave it away. What are you two are hiding?"
"They're just stupid that's all. Fighting like little boys."
"Why?"
"Why are they stupid? I don't know. That's just how they are."
"No, why are they fighting."
"Oh…," Yuki sighed tiredly. "The usual… you. But you know them. They just don't like each other."
Tsukushi frowned. 'It's all my fault. This animosity.' She recalled what Yuriko said in her dream. "You're the cause of all of this! They won't stop until one of them is dead…and it'll all be your fault." 'I can't let that happen.'
"Let the hospital know that I don't want either of them to come see me."
"What?" Yuki and Soujiroh both said in shock.
"It's my fault they're acting this way. If I refuse to see them then maybe they'll stop fighting."
"Tsukushi-" Yuki started.
"Please, just do as I ask. Soujiroh? Will you let them both know that I don't want to see them ever again?" she said as her heart wrenched with pain.
Soujiroh looked over to Yuki. She just shook her head not believing what she heard. "Sure, Tsukushi. If that's what you want."
"It is."
Soujiroh left to relay the message. Yuki looked over to Tsukushi and held her hand. "Are you alright, Tsukushi? They'll get over it. I'll make sure Akira and Soujiroh keep them apart."
"No, it's alright, Yuki. I'm the cause of all of this. I think it's time I just gave up."
"No, Tsukushi. Don't say that."
"I have to. They won't stop. I love them both. But I just love Rui as a friend. He doesn't think Tsukasa's the right man for me. He think's that Tsukasa will hurt me so he won't stop. And Tsukasa's the man I love, but I don't know if he loves me or just wants to protect me. And on top of that they both hate each other, so they're probably using me as an excuse to fight."
"Don't think like that Tsukushi. I know they both love you, and have your best interest at heart. They're just acting like immature kids right now."
Tsukushi sighed. "I know, but I don't know what to do."
"Don't worry about it. Just concentrate on getting better, okay?"
Tsukushi gave Yuki a sad smile. "Thanks Yuki."
Yuki took Tsukushi home the next day. Tsukushi's head throbbing from the spots dotting the darkness she was used to. Yuki led her to the couch. "Will you be okay while I get your stuff from the car?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine."
She shifted, accidentally turning on the television.
"In today's top news, Tsukasa Domyouji, was reported coming out of the courtroom after testifying against two murder suspects, Junpei Oribe and Yuriko Asai. Our on the scene reporter, Aoike Kazuya, reporting live.
"Thanks Reiko. We are all awaiting Mr. Domyouji as he comes out for any comments or statements he is willing to give about the case. Here he comes."
"Mr. Domyouji, is it true that Mr. Oribe and Ms. Asai attempted to not only kill you but another person?" Kazuya asked
"No comment."
"Mr. Domyouji, Mr. Domyouji. Is the cause of this a love triangle?" another reporter yelled out.
"Is it true the other person they attempted to kill is your girlfriend?" the female reporter in the front asked with her recorder shoved close to his face.
"Please, no more questions. Mr. Domyouji's a very busy man. He will release a statement to the press at a later time," Tsukasa's PR manager said as he held the car door open for Tsukasa.
"Well he sure was close-mouthed about it," Kazuya said as he watched the car swerve into traffic. He glanced at the court doors and saw a socialite come out. "Excuse me miss! How are you related to the case? Do you know Mr. Domyouji?"
"Of course I know him. I am after all his girlfriend. We will release some very happy news after all this is over."
"Are you sure? Mr. Domyouji never mentioned a girlfriend. You don't seem like his type," yelled one of the reporters.
"Who said that?!" the woman demanded.
"Yeah! Are you sure? I remember you… weren't you the one in that scandal…"
"Girlfriend? May I know your name please?" the woman reporter asked.
"Is the happy news going to be about marriage?" Kazuya asked.
Tsukushi turned the television off. She reached over for a tissue to wipe her tears. She accidentally pressed the message machine.
"Tsukushi, it's me, Tsukasa, call me back." beep…
"Tsukushi, are you alright? Please call me. It's Rui." beep…
"Tsukushi, I'm sorry, we need to talk… call me." beep…
"Tsukushi, it's Rui… please call me." beep…
Tsukushi didn't want to hear anymore so she felt for the erase button. "All messages deleted. There are no new messages," the machine replied.
"Who was it, Tsukushi?" Yuki asked as she came in.
"No one. Yuki?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't bother taking my suitcase upstairs."
"What? Why?"
"I'm not staying. Call me a taxi please?"
"Tsukushi, no. Tell me what's wrong. Please. Where are you going to go?" Yuki pleaded.
"I don't know. I just can't stay here," she replied tiredly as the phone rang.
Yuki walked over to answer. "Hello?" She looked over to Tsukushi. "Yeah, she's here, but I don't think-"
"Who is it, Yuki?"
Yuki hesitated. "It's Rui."
"It's alright. I'll talk to him. Give us a minute okay?"
"Yeah, sure," she said as she handed Tsukushi the phone.
"Hey Rui…"
"Tsukushi? How have you been?"
"I'm okay. Listen Rui. I don't think we should see each other anymore."
Rui was silent for a moment. "Why?"
"I'm sorry Rui. You're a great friend, but I don't want to lead you on. I know we discussed this already, but I can't be anything more than a friend. I'm still in love-"
"With Tsukasa. I know," he finished her sentence. "I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"I know and I'm glad that you care, but I don't want you to get hurt. Just, please stop fighting with him."
"I'm sorry, Tsukushi, but-"
"Please, Rui."
"Alright," he sighed.
"Thank you."
"Are you going to go back to him then?"
"No. I don't know. I- I don't know what to do."
"Just follow your heart, Tsukushi," Rui said with a heavy heart. "If he makes you happy, then be happy."
"Thank you, Rui," she said softly.
"Well, if you need anything, let me know okay?"
"I will, thank you, Rui… for understanding and being a friend."
"Yeah. Take care alright? Would it be alright if I came by sometime?"
"Yeah, I'd like that."
"Friends?"
"Of course. Always."
They hung up. Rui smiled sadly, not too disappointed. He knew Tsukushi would never be his, but at least he had those two months. Tsukushi felt relieved. She didn't lose Rui as a friend after all. It saddened her to know that she put him through this, but she was also glad that he could move on from this.
"Yuki?" she called out.
"Yeah?"
"Can you call that taxi now?"
"Where do you plan on going?"
"I don't know. Probably the only place I really ever called 'home'. I'll let you know when I get there, but until then, don't let Tsukasa know."
Yuki hesitated. "You're not going to talk to Tsukasa?"
"No. I don't think right now is a good time. I need to sort things out with myself first," Tsukushi said blinking back tears.
"Why? What happened? Tell me," Yuki asked gently as she hugged Tsukushi.
Tsukushi started crying. "I guess he has a new girlfriend now. It was on the news."
"Shh, don't cry Tsukky. I'm sure they were mistaken. He loves you a lot, this I'm sure of," Yuki said, trying to assure her.
"I don't know Yuki. I don't think I can handle anymore of this. I said I'd be strong, but I don't think I can be," she sobbed.
"It's okay, sweetie. You don't have to be, you know I'm always here for you. You can depend on me."
Tsukushi sniffed and straightened, "I know, thanks Yuki. You know I love you. I just need to leave for a couple of days."
Yuki frowned at the thought of her leaving in this state, but decided against her better judgement.
"Alright. But call me when you get there, okay?" said Yuki.
"I will."
They hugged and Yuki called for a taxi. When it arrived Tsukushi hugged Yuki and got in the car, heading towards the only place she knew, Saint Mary's Orphanage. When she got there she called Yuki, but all she got was the machine.
"Hey Yuki, I'm here. Just calling to let you know," she said wearily. "I'll call you some other time then."
One month later…
"Sister Tsukky! Sister Tsukky! I'll help you with that!" yelled Mya.
Smiling, Tsukushi obliged and gave the child the smaller basket. She's been here for a month now, helping out around the orphanage. She helps the children get dressed during the morning, play with the kids in the afternoon, and put the children to sleep at night. Everything helped Tsukushi forget about her life back in the city. She was content with her new life here, away from all the hurt and pain. Its not like she forgot about everything, she just didn't want to have to deal with it anymore.
"Sister Tsukky, can you tell me a bedtime story later?"
"Yeah, me too! Me too!"
"Sure, but let's see if you all can behave at dinner tonight, but for now let me rest. I need to recharge my energy to play later," she teased the children. Her headaches were getting worse. The spots were getting larger. Sometimes it seems like she can see color and movements, but then it was back to darkness again.
After she told a story, she tucked the children in. Mother Sachiyo called her into the office.
"You wanted to see me Mother?" Tsukushi said.
"Oh, Tsukushi. Yes, I wanted to talk to you about why you're here, child. It's been a month since you've been here and you've been a tremendous help, but I know this life is not for you. You are welcomed to stay here as long as you like, but you cannot run away forever."
"Mother…"
"I know that I don't know your situation, call me a busybody, but I can see your unhappiness, Tsukushi."
"I don't know what to do, Mother. I can't seem to do anything right. I've lost the only person I cared about. He doesn't care about me anymore. I can't go back. I'm too scared to get hurt again. I just don't want to be rejected. I'm just tired of it all," Tsukushi sobbed into her hands.
Mother Sachiyo got up from her chair hugged Tsukushi.
"I know child, but what does not kill us only makes us stronger." Mother Sachiyo wanted to say more, but she knew Tsukushi was emotionally drained. "Dry your tears and get some sleep. We have a full schedule ahead of us."
Tsukushi nodded. "Goodnight Mother. Thank you for letting me stay," Tsukushi said as she walked out.
Mother Sachiyo looked at Tsukushi as she walked away. 'That child deserves better. She's been through so much, she should have some happiness in her life,' she thought to herself.
The next day at Tsukasa's Office…
"What do you mean you can't find her?" growled Tsukasa.
"Sir, all traces of her ended the day she was released from the hospital."
"She couldn't have just disappeared into thin air. Check again and don't come back until you've found her."
The man nodded and left the office.
"Dammit!" Tsukasa growled as he pounded his desk. He sat back in his chair, running his fingers through his hair with frustration. 'Where are you, Tsukushi?' Yuki wasn't telling him anything either. All she said was that Tsukushi left.
The intercom buzzed.
"What?!"
"Sir, there's a Mother Sachiyo on line four."
'Mother Sachiyo? Why is she calling here? I spoke to her a month or so ago about the donation, but what is she calling me for?' Tsukasa thought, picking up the phone.
"Yes, Mother Sachiyo, this is Tsukasa. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing just fine, Tsukasa. Thank you once again for your donation. We were able to buy the children new text books and refurnish all the classrooms."
"That's great to hear, Mother."
"Well that's not what I was calling to talk to you about, child."
"Oh? Then what can I do for you?"
"Well, it's more like what I can do for you."
Tsukasa felt the hair on his neck prickle. "And what is that?"
"Well all I can say, child, is that I have something precious here for you."
Later that night…
Tsukasa got an overnight pack ready. He's finally found her. He stopped what he was doing when he heard a knock at the door. Frowning he walked over to open the door.
"Hanazawa. What the hell are you doing here?"
"Not to fight. I just came by to tell you that I won't stand in your way if you want Tsukushi."
"I wasn't concerned if you were in the way or not."
"Don't be an ass. I'm just letting you know. It doesn't mean I've given up on her, but if you hurt her, I won't hesitate to come take her from you."
The two men stared at each other. Tsukasa nodded. "Fine."
Rui nodded then walked away. "Take care of her," he called out.
The two men came to an understanding for the woman they loved. Without knowing they intertwined the thread of friendship together.
Tsukasa and Rui.. friends? Yup... haha... Please leave a review!