Healing wounds

Chapter 4: Love hurts

He doesn't know when it started, but he knew it didn't happen overnight. As time flew by, all the little things started to gain more weight: the fights, the teasing, her tomboyish attitude... He liked, no, he LOVED everything about her. However, Shuu also knew he didn't stand a chance with her. Not because she was stubborn or independent (he really liked that about her), but because he noticed there was already someone else in her heart.

When Rin started to talk about Shiro, already a bell rang in his head. Yes, she did mention he was a "very good and close friend". However, he felt there was more and as he began to listen to her more and more, he picked an interest deeper than friendship and when he saw her with him, his suspicions were confirmed.

It was hard to read Shiro however. The teenage boy wasn't the expressive type. He had pretty much the same face with or without Rin at his side. He was a calm young man, very serious and blunt. He actually had some facial reactions with Rin and most of the time, they were irritated ones. Though he never really got angry at her, Shuu deduced there was some attachment on his part too but he didn't know the depth of it.

So, with all this in mind, Shuu Rei Fuan decided that he needed to get this off his chest and asked Rin out. He was starting to lose his appetite, which gave him some concern since he couldn't eat as much of his favorite foods anymore and he surprised himself daydreaming in class. He even lost a few duels in his sport class because of his concern about the situation. Being a straight forward guy, he didn't like to be in the dark for long, even if he knew exactly what would be the answer to his question.

Of course, asking a girl out wasn't an easy task. He never did that before. It took him a couple of days to actually gather enough courage and find the right moment to talk to her alone. After two weeks, he finally caught her in a corner between two classes.

"Hey Rin," he told her as she walked toward her class. "Can I talk to you for a sec?" He didn't need much time. Just a quick answer would suffice. He wanted this to be done with quickly to go back to his old lifestyle.

"Sure," she replied with her usual smiling face. "What can I do for you, Shuu? Is it something about Azhure?"

"No, actually, it's something private." Rin gave him a serious look for a few seconds.

"You didn't get a girl pregnant, did you?"

"Geez, Rin, you know I'm not that type of guy!!!"

"Well it was either that or STD so---"

"Would you go out with me?" He knew that if he didn't ask her the question straight ahead, they would go into a small skirmish and he would have lost his chance. At this stage, Shuu had nothing to lose and everything to gain. He was tired to be a sick love puppy. It actually took a minute or two to Rin to analyze the question. Her face was the very image of a spoiled child to whom you just refused to give candy: confused.

"What?" Rin's ears couldn't believe it. Yes, lots of people asked her out, all girls because she act so perfectly like a guy that girls, mostly the young ones, confused her gender, thinking she was really a boy. She never bothered replying to them We can't go out cause I'm a girl. No, Rin had her reputation. She was a gentleman and a flirter and she loved it. But a GUY asking her out? That was a first and it caught her off guard.

"I want to go on a date with you," Shuu stated again. "Something that involves an activity you would like to do and that doesn't involve blobs, crazy magicians, evil guys from another dimension and any other category that fits those and that aren't fun doing while on a date."

"Shuu... I..." she was so confused and she felt a bit silly to feel like that. She felt...girly. She didn't like it. Shuu noticed her embarrassment and for a second there, he thought he had a chance. "I am very flattered, but...I can't go out with you," she finally replied with her usual grin.

"Why? Because we fight all the time?" There was no anger or sadness in his voice and that did bothered Rin a little. Why wouldn't he be disappointed in her answer? Why ask this question with such...seriousness?

"No. I... I just...well..." Why couldn't she find the right words? With girls, it was easy. You deserve a better man. I'm not your lucky guy. Those were her usual responses. She found it hard to just replace "guy" by "girl" in this case. He did deserve a more honest answer. "Shuu...I...like someone else already," she finally whispered. He almost couldn't hear it but because he was expecting it, he didn't need to hear it well. He saw her lower her gaze to her feet. He smiled and chuckled softly.

"Rin, that's alright. Why do you feel so bad about it?" The tomboy blinked at this answer and looked up. Was he toying with her? Was that a bet he made with the other Troopers or something? A game of poor choice if that was the case. But he patted her shoulder with a friendly gesture. "You don't have to feel sorry to not feel the same way about me. I'm a big guy. I can handle it, you know." She blushed at those words but quickly regained her stature.

"Well you never know. Big guys are known to be big softies!" she told him, teasingly. He laughed at the remark.

"You should tell the lucky guy how you feel instead of just flying around him with big doe eyes," he retorted to her.

"What did you just say?" Rin asked with narrowing eyes. But Shuu only laughed more.

"You know exactly what I said. Don't take this the wrong way. You know I wouldn't be mean to you like that, even if you just rejected me." The word 'reject' went straight to Rin's heart. She didn't like it and she never will. Being a very sociable person, she hated to be rejected or see others being rejected. But...this is what she just did to him.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said looking hurt, turning her gaze to the window side of the corridor.

"Don't make him wait too long. Some feelings don't last forever and I would hate to see a good friend sad because she didn't take the risk." He squeezed her shoulder gently. "Get going before you're late for your class because of me. I'll see you around, alright?" And on this, he left. Rin watched him walked away. It was the first time she refused to go on a date with someone and that person didn't cry or feel sad.

What a strange guy, she thought.

She later told the tale to Aikyo who, without expressing it, was sadden to hear that all her hope to see Rin and Shuu together vanish like that because the tomboy had a stupid (to Aikyo's point of view) crush on her best friend. However, she knew better than push the issue. She figured she will probably hear it from Shin too.

"You think I should have accepted his invitation, don't you?" Rin asked her, a little annoyed.

"No. If you don't love him, it would have been cruel to give him false hope." The answer comforted Rin who let go a long sigh of relief. She hoped it would be the last of the story about her and Shuu.

"So, how are things with Shin?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I couldn't help but notice you two seemed a bit...distant with each other. Shiro noticed that too."

"Well... We're doing fine. Really. It's just...well..."

"You're not still mad about this whole trip they did to New York, are you?"

"Yes...and no. It's complicated." The tomboy rolled her eyes to the sky as she heard the answer. "Oh don't give me that look!" Aikoy quickly replied, stomping her foot on the floor. "I just want to control m powers better to help him, but he stubbornly refused so far to help me develop them."

"Why is that?"

"Because he knows he would then have no excuse for leaving me behind the next time another crisis rise. I hate it! Why can't he see I want to help him?"

"Guys are so machos at times," Rin replied as she closed her locker and put the lock on it. "But I don't think Shin does it to feel strong. Their fights...are much more dangerous than we think. Or dare to believe."

"So? They brought Nasuti and Jun along!"

"I know, I know. I guess they don't have the best ideas either! But consider this: they've been with them since the beginning of their 'duty' and they proved to be useful. What can we do but stand in their way?"

"You...talk just like Shin. I can't believe you're on his side."

"I'm not taking sides. I just don't want to see my best friend hurt."

"And what about Azhure?" Aikyo inquired. "I bet you're not giving her that kind of talk."

"The girl has been taking care of herself for the last three years while being on a revenge quest. I think it doesn't apply to her."

"Oh phooey!" Aikyo said with a pouting face. Rin knew exactly how her friend felt but there was a difference between the love of fighting and being forced to fight. The Troopers had no choice most of the time and it was obvious they didn't want them to suffer from it. However, Aikyo had a point: she had to get better with her talents.

"But you know," Rin started to say, "maybe we could ask Azhure to teach you how to use your powers. I mean, she knows a lot about magic. Surely she can figure out what you can and cannot do." Aikyo's face brighten all of sudden.

"You think so?" she asked hopefully. Rin laughed.

"It doesn't hurt to ask her but I think it's too late tonight. She must be already at the gate, waiting for the rest of the guys to get home."

"I'll ask her this weekend then. Maybe she can even come up with some program exercise."

"Now, that's the spirit!" Rin exclaimed, happy to see the problem solved so easily. Once Aikyo gathered her things, they walked to the front gate. To their surprise, Shin was waiting for them. He waved at them, with his usual smile.

"I was hoping to see you," he said as he looked directly to Aikyo. "Can I walk with you a little? I can take you to your bus stop." Aikyo gave a look to Rin who nodded, pretending she had to see Shiro for something and left the two lovebirds alone. The water girl was a bit nervous. Shin would only do that when he wanted to talk to her privately. They started to walk slowly but neither of them engaged the conversation for several minutes. The tension was killing Aikyo but finally, Shin spoke again.

"I would like it if the fighting would stop. Between you and I." Aikyo sighed.

"Me too," she told him with utter sincerity. "But we can't just seem to go through this argument."

"I know...but we have to. I mean...I don't want us to split because of my duty as a Samurai Trooper."

"You think that's the only problem?"

"No. I'm still hunted by Luna's death. She, too, had her reasons to tag along and...she died before our very eyes. We failed to protect her... I don't want that to happen to you. Aikyo, I know you are not one to stand by and watch. But I would really like it if you would understand my feelings over this."

"I...I don't want us to break up either," she said after a small silence. "I...honestly don't like to fight. Actually, if I could avoid it, I would be happy. But if you go on the battlefield...I want to be at your side, no matter what. I want to help you. I want to protect you."

"I know but if you do that, I won't be able to focus completely because I'll be worried about you."

"Then...what do you suggest? We're running in circles here!"

"You are right to think it is unfair that we bring along Jun and Nasuti with us while we leave you behind. I've talked about it with the guys and Nasuti... Next time, we will take you along but you have to promise me that you will stay with Nasuti at all cost and to not play hero, alright? And ask Azhure for some magic courses too. I would feel reassured knowing that you have proper knowledge to defend yourself if anything were to happen while I wasn't around."

Aikyo stopped walking and looked at him. Even since she started going out with him, she always asked herself why she loved the Suiko warrior or rather, if she truly loved him. They did started going out because they found out they had a mutual attraction but they both knew it wouldn't be enough to build a lasting relationship. However, as he spoke these words to her, it simply made her realize this: she loved him because he understood her. He would always find the right solution because he listened to her and understood how she felt.

"If I promise you that...then...I will be able to come along?" Shin stopped and turned back to look at her. He smiled gently at her.

"Of course. I trust you. I know you will keep this important promise." That's all Aikyo needed before running to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.

From afar, Rin and Shiro were watching the scene. Rin sighed, happy to see her best friend finally happy and her conflict with her lover resolved. Shiro rolled his eyes, asking her if they could leave. The teenager didn't like spying on people no matter the reason, but he went along with Rin because she couldn't stop bugging him about it.

"This is childish," he said as he saw Aikyo kissing Shin. "We're invading their privacy. We should go now."

"Awww Shiro. Weren't you worried a bit about her?"

"She's a big girl. She can take care of herself. And I would have noticed the change in her attitude."

"Oh really? You don't usually pay much attention to other people," Rin told him with a teasing tone, poking his side. Shiro didn't squirm and just move away.

"I see her often since you hang out with her now. I would have noticed it."

"Just five more minutes."

"No. We're leaving. Now." Shiro took Rin's arm and started to drag her away. They took a small detour to avoid disturbing the young couple and once that was done, they walked home. Both were living near enough the school to walk home. Even though it was faster to take the bus, they sometime took the pleasure of spending some more time together alone in these walks. It was probably during that time that Rin started to notice her attachment to Shiro.

She liked that special relationship she had with him. Not many were able to approach him and she was the only one able to tease him and walk away unhurt. She smiled at the thought.

"What are you smiling at?" he asked her.

"Oh for no reason..." Shiro shook his head.

"I hope you won't be that cryptic when your boyfriend will ask you a question."

"I'll be whoever I want to be! And if the guy can't take me for who I am, well, that's his loss!"

"With that kind of attitude, I fear no guy will ask you out."

"What do you know?" Rin couldn't help but asked. "Maybe a guy asked me out today." Shiro raised an eyebrow.

"I must presume it must one of the new guys you've been hanging out with since this summer. To my knowledge, only they know you're a girl. The rest of the male population of the school don't dare to come near you with that kind of thought."

"Why must you always analyze things so nicely? I can't even play around with you."

"So, what did you answer? Did you agree?"

"I refused, of course!" the tomboy answered with a smile. She was hoping to have a reaction from Shiro and she did. However, it wasn't exactly the kind of reaction she was hoping for. The teenager stopped, grabbed her shoulder and made her face him.

"I hope you were more delicate than that!" Rin blinked. Why was he so mad suddenly? "Whoever it was, he deserved a proper and respectful answer."

"Shiro, I was delicate... He left with a smile even." She looked away with a small pouting face. "Who do you think I am?"

"Any of these guys are fine warriors and would be an honorable boyfriend for you. Actually, it would put me at ease to know you have finally found someone."

"W-Why are you saying that? I love someone already! I couldn't accept his proposition!"

"Please, tell me it's not Shoka from class C because I will refuse to talk to you any longer if it's that idiot."

This was not going the way Rin anticipated. It's not fair, she thought. I love him and he...treats me like his little sister. Is that all I am to him? A sister? Or...

"You're in love, aren't you?" The question caught Shiro off guard and he blushed violently. "That's why you want me to find someone! Because you want to ask her for a date and you would feel bad for leaving me all alone." Shiro looked away, angry at himself for letting Rin changing the course of the conversation back to him. His silence just gave him away and now, there was no way for Rin to stop it right there. "Who is it?"

"I don't want to talk about it," he replied before resuming his walk. The soft breeze of October blew in his hair, making his ponytail gently float in the wind.

"Shiro, you better tell me or I'll ask every girl at school."

"Ugh..." the threat actually made him leaned against the nearest tree. He sighed, resigned to his fate. He knew his best friend capable of such thing and the last thing he wanted was a horde of girls running after him to know the identity of that special someone. "You're evil..."

"I have my moments," she told him with all her assurance. If she wasn't the one in Shiro's heart, it was alright for her. After all, he was a dear friend to her. She only wanted his happiness. If it was with someone else, so be it. She will get over this grief with time. Maybe it will teach her a thing or two about how her crushes felt when she refused them.

"Alright, alright... You win." He took a big breath. "Don't laugh."

"I won't unless you tell me it's Myra from class F." Shiro gave her a little glare but Rin only gave him her usual cocky grin.

"Nasuti..." he finally said.

"Not...Yagyu Nasuti?"

"The very one," he said. Now the tomboy knew she had no chance: how could she compete with a girl who was older, more mature and intelligent? But she did fit Shiro's taste. "You look surprised."

"It's just...very unexpected. But now, you must come to her house more often!"

"What?!"

"You can't possibly hope to gain anything from loving her from afar." She put her fists on her hips and nodded firmly to her own statement. "You have to see her more and see how things go!"

"No way! I don't want to see any of them."

"The Troopers? Come on, you just said a few minutes ago they were great warriors with boyfriend potential for me. Why not see them?"

"They get on my nerves, ok? Especially that loud mouth one."

"Huh? You mean...Shuu? I think he's quite nice. Ok so maybe he's a bit silly at times and food is obviously his first love but he's a great guy! He gets along with everyone!"

"Hn. That's why I don't like him." Rin giggled at Shiro's reaction. Probably that Shuu's way of being friendly irritated Shiro, a lone social wolf. He liked peace and quiet and Shuu was neither of that. She went by his side and took his arm.

"Starting this weekend, we'll plot how to get you to Nasuti's house so you can develop your romance."

"What?!" It was impossible for Shiro to look more shocked than that.

"And I'll ask Aikyo for help. She's the best when it comes to match people together."

"WHAAAAT?!"

For Shiro, the cold air of fall suddenly turned into the warm wind of spring, thanks to his best friend. In all honesty, he didn't like it one bit...but there was no way to say no to Rin.

***

"What's for dinner? I'm starving!!!"

"Typical of Shuu, screaming for food at this hour," Seiji said to Ryo with a grin. The Rekka warrior smiled and laughed, though it was not entirely natural. Seiji noticed it but didn't say a thing. Ryo was getting better over his grief of losing Luna but the talk they had with Shin regarding Aikyo's involvement in their activities only made the wound reopen.

"I guess you can't expect him to remain silent. He has been eating less than usual lately."

"He was probably worried about something." The teenagers looked at each other.

"Finals," they said in unison.

"Shuu! Stay out of the kitchen!" they heard Nasuti screamed from afar.

"Awww... I just want to take a little snack before dinner!"

"I said OUT!!! There won't be any food left for everyone if you start that!"

"Just a bit of bread! Or is that miso soup? Hmmm..."

"ACK! Azhure!! A little help here!"

"Coming!" the magician yelled from upstairs. She poked her head from the second floor stairway and waved her right hand. Shuu was lifted gently and dragged out of the kitchen but not before he could grab a few things from the fridge. "Shuu, why must you be such a pig?"

"Azhure, a field please," Nasuti asked politely but with exasperation in her tone. The magician executed her command with her left hand. "Thank you. And keep that boy from eating everything!"

"Awww... Azhu, if you put me down, I'll share," Shuu told her smiling.

"Hmmm... Alright."

"AZHURE!!" yelled Nasuti, even more exasperated. Orion appeared next to young woman, shaking his head.

"I'm saddened to see that my sister is so easily bought."

With the Troopers around, there was, once again, never a boring moment in the house. The presence of Azhure did not help to calm them. Actually, ever since Touma brought her back from the woods, she seemed to fit in more than before. She was taking more part in day to day activities around the house and with the guys. She wasn't as stiff as before though a bit clumsy still about certain situations. Everyone started to warm up to Orion too, except for Seiji. The Korin bearer couldn't trust the ghost. Azhure had a talk with him about that, but he stood firm on his convictions that the ghost could be a threat, mostly to her.

"You are living in the past because of him," he told her. "And there's no proof this is indeed your brother. It could be another spirit disguising himself as him to lure you."

"If this is the case, then Seiji, I ask you to do what you must when the time comes," she simply told him with a small smile. The green warrior was surprised to hear such words from her and that made him wonder if Azhure herself had a secret she kept from them. Something so horrible that she did not dare to tell them but asked them 'to do whatever it was necessary when the time comes.'

"Ah! It's almost time to get Touma," the young princess said as she looked at her watch.

"True. His last class is almost over," Ryo said after taking a look at the hour. "It is very convenient to have a magician around that can cast portals." Azhure giggled.

"If it wasn't of that, I wouldn't be here in the first place."

"Just hurry up. I'm starving."

"You better leave some food for us!" said the Suiko bearer bearer from the entrance. "Or must we fight you everything we have dinner together?"

"Shin! You're home! You want some bread?"

"I have the feeling that bread is stolen goods so I will not accept it to avoid the anger of our dear Nasuti who, without a doubt, put all her heart into making a good meal."

After supper, everyone went to their normal activities until it was time for bed. In their room, Shin and Shuu were, as always, joking around and teasing each other until Shin confronted him with his situation with Rin.

"I've heard that you finally asked Rin out," he said, sitting on his bed and leaning against the wall. "How did it go?"

"Hmmm..." Shuu glanced at his friend. "Do we have to talk about it right now?"

"Aikyo didn't tell me much except the essential...but I noticed you regained your appetite tonight. I thought you and Touma would fight to death over that last eggroll." Shuu laughed.

"I can't help it if I like food. I got the stomach for it!"

"Don't change the subject," the Suiko warrior replied back with a grin. Shuu sighed.

"Of course, she wasn't interested but now I'm sure of it. I can focus on something else like my martial arts class and enjoying good food."

"Will you be alright?" There was a bit of concern in his voice but Shuu's grin made that all go away.

"Yeah, don't worry about me, Shin. I would lie if I said it didn't hurt me but I want to keep her as a friend and I don't want that to mess things up, you know? Just let me eat lots of food for a week and I'll be just fine." The brown hair boy laughed at this statement.

"You better do LOTS of exercises too if you don't want to get chubbier!" And to reply to that, the orange warrior only threw his pillow in the face of his friend.