~ Author's Note ~
Hello everyone! Thank you so much for all those lovely reviews last chapter! I did not expect there to be so many! :3
Kana: We're glad you guys support us!
Rikuo: Tch. *glare from Kana* I mean, yeah, thanks.
Tsurara: I STILL haven't got a full-fledged appearance! *evil aura*
^_^; Calm down, Tsurara-chan! You have an important role! Just be patient!
Kubinashi: I thought you died.
Tsurara: Do you think I'd disappoint my fans? *mutters* *gestures at D.T* This woman revived me . . . . . . .
Disclaimer!
Kiyotsugu: Special thanks to Zhane 17, Rose Rain 7, Fede 194, Marchioness Scarlet, Hikage-Sama, Silver Gold Moonlight, Vampire Princess, Nakumare, Nayrael, Kuro Shiro Neko-Chan, Dark Lord 5198, The Crest of Anubis, Dennou Writer, Night Dreamer, Night Star 09, , Micar, Sakura Tsukiyomi Lefey, Skylar-Midnight, Chizora, Ash Covered Warrior, ajiehuang 1997, hannapqc2, wish389 and Miriae for supporting this story. A BIG thanks to the anonymous readers as well. *does awesome hair flip* Did I do that well, D.T-san?
Yup! :3
Ch. 12 – Loving Caresses
Kana stared at her glass of citrus Pina Colada, her brown eyes boring on her reflection on the glass. Natsumi and Saori had done wonders on her and converted her from a plain Jane to a European Princess. If only she could hear that from the mouth of Rikuo Nura himself. She sighed under her breath as she took a sip of her refreshing cocktail.
Rikuo was silently observing the girl seated in front of him; the once simple girl now looking ready to equal any high-profile model. Like Tsurara Oikawa. His eyes narrowed as his best friend flitted into his mind. It'd been more than a week since she'd gone and there had been no phone calls, no web chats, no messages, nothing. He'd thought about calling her but was too arrogant to follow his words. He just hoped she hadn't screwed up or something.
Turning his attention back to the timid brunette in front of him, Rikuo gradually took a sip of his Irish coffee and placed his glass down. Aware of the furtive glances coming from everywhere, he asked "I have a feeling you're not enjoying, Ienaga-san."
Kana gave a start and almost dropped her glass. Placing it on the table, she offered an awkward smile and staring at her clasped and sweaty hands, replied "Oh, this restaurant is really very pretty and elegant. But-'' Rikuo waited as she looked up, a curious look in her brown eyes. "I wanna know the real reason why you called me here."
Rikuo raised an eyebrow and broke into a wide smirk. "Pardon but it was only because I wanted to enjoy a nice dinner with you." The brunette looked uncomfortably unconvinced. The Nura heir set down his empty glass and narrowed his eyes. "How much do you know, Ienaga-san?" there was that underlying hint of malice again.
Kana's sixth sense buzzed but this time, she wasn't so surprised. She knew she had to choose her words carefully and even then, she'd be taking a great risk on herself. "Mr. Daisuke Niwa" she whispered in a low voice, as to not raise anyone's suspicions "He was murdered by Hikage Daito Ryu."
She knew she was being a foolish child; making blunt statements like that. But she felt nervous and rattled in front of him, the Nura Heir. Her hands were sweating profusely while she racked her brains about her next move. I must be the most foolish person on this universe. Most girls would be so elated to grab a date with Rikuo Nura and on the other hand . . . . . I'm so afraid. Why can't I just enjoy this dinner and get home and gush about it to my besties?! Why do I have to be so-
"Yes?" Rikuo said in a casual voice. "And?" His voice held a condescending tone.
Kana looked up and down at her feet again. "W-Well" she fiddled with her dress "I was wondering if . . . if . . . . you were involved . . . . . ." her voice trailed off.
Rikuo leaned forward, his face only a few centimeters away from Kana. "And why would I tell you even if I was?" His cinnamon breath tickled her face and the brunette thought she'd faint or something.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat and Rikuo immediately flinched back, letting a sharp gaze over the waiter. When the waiter had a clear look of who he was approaching, he almost gave a start but managed to compose himself. The middle-aged waiter gave a deep bow and with sweat trailing down his forehead, asked "W-What would you like to order, Nura-sama?"
Rikuo ran his red eyes over the French Menu of Eden Gardens and said in his silky albeit curt voice "I'll have a Bisque and Boeuf Bourguignon."
The waiter quickly wrote the items in a black notepad and turned to Kana with a respectful look. "And you miss?"
The brunette somewhat panicked on the inside but managed to keep calm on the outside, quickly running a gaze over the Menu of which she understood none of the items. "I-I'll have a Soupe Au Pistou and a Pied Paquets."
Rikuo's eyes widened when she mentioned the last item but the waiter gave an affirmative nod and wrote it down quickly. The Nura heir spoke up and said "I'll have a Coq au Vin as well."
The man nodded and adding the extra item asked "Anything else, sir?"
Rikuo shook his head. "That will be all."
After the man had walked away, Kana again placed the menu down and returned to fiddling with her unfinished Pina Colada. Rikuo leaned back in his chair and asked "Excuse my bold question but do you have a boyfriend, Ienaga-san?"
The brunette almost spat out the yellow-colored cocktail. Embarrassed, she quickly wiped her mouth with a tissue paper and stuttered "N-No, I don't." B-Boyfriend? I've never had one! But, why is he asking me anyway?
Rikuo had a satisfied smile on his face. "Well, that's good." The brunette shot him a confused look but did not pursue the question. Just as she was letting her guard down, he shot again "A crush?"
The brunette aggressively shook her head. Why is he even asking me all this? There was an unidentifiable look in his red eyes. "So you're single?"
"H-Here are your dishes, sir" said the water, returning with two heavy silver trays. He placed one containing three dishes in front of Rikuo and one containing two in front of Kana. "Enjoy your meal" he bowed and left.
Meanwhile, Kana was staring with curiosity at her Pied Paquets. She poked the dish with her fork and had a disgusted expression when she found out what it was; lamb feet. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth with her hands and at the same time, Rikuo pushed a dish with red gravy towards her. "Eat" he said, already digging in his Bisque.
Kana shook her head as she lightly pushed it back. "It's yours, I can't eat it. I'll just order something else" she said, her hands picking up the menu.
"There's no need" Rikuo cut in, pushing the dish back again. "I ordered Coq au Vin for you." He smirked "I knew you wouldn't like Pied Paquets."
An expression of shock and surprise erupted on the brunette's face as she stared at the 'chicken in red gravy' dish in front of her. She shot him a genuine smile and said "Thank you."
Rikuo's spoon stopped in midair as he looked at that heartwarming and genuine smile on her face. He quickly brushed off the blush that was about to cover his cheeks and smiled brusquely "There's no need to mention it."
After that, there was silence between the two as they enjoyed the comfort of their own dishes. Kana was smiling to herself, surprised at Rikuo's kindness. She'd never thought he'd do that much for her-Okay, so she was making a big deal out of it but how could she help it?! She was on a date with her high school crush and he'd shown a gesture of kindness to her! Who wouldn't fan girl in such a situation?!
As the two youngsters were enjoying their meal, they didn't notice the large chandelier above them hanging dangerously. It was only a few seconds before that Rikuo cursed "S**t!" After that, the few seconds were blurry to Kana.
The white-haired man had thrown himself at her, both of them rolling on the ground as the chandelier crashed on their table, barely missing them. Its glass splinters flew everywhere, cutting some of the people who sat in the nearby tables and screams erupted everywhere. Kana was shielded by Rikuo who was holding on her tightly, not letting go even when small pieces of shrapnel lodged into his body.
"Rikuo" Kana whispered in terror when she saw the pained expression on his face. Turning to her left, her frightened brown eyes were greeted by a glassy mess made by the combination of their broken cutlery, wrecked glass table and the busted chandelier. She breathed in horror when she realized how closely they'd survived.
"Rikuo-sama!" yelled a man who Kana recognized as the Mr. Yoshida. He helped an injured Rikuo get up and gasped at the numerous pieces of shrapnel lodged into his body. "Come, we must give you first aid" he said, leading Rikuo away as people gathered to look at the mess.
Kana, Mr. Yoshida and Rikuo walked into a private room a floor above the restaurant. The Nura heir had refused to let anyone else come and sat on a white, high table as Mr. Yoshida left to grab a first-aid box from some other room. Kana stared at the bloody mess on the back of his white blazer and tears welled up in her eyes. "This is all my fault" she said, covering her mouth with her hands.
Rikuo shook his head and gave a staccato laugh although the brunette could see how much it pained him to do that. "Don't be silly" he said, taking off his white blazer. "How is it your fault?"
Mr. Yoshida soon arrived with a first aid box and gloved hands. He kept the box on the table on which Rikuo sat and helped the injured man take off his blazer. Turning to Kana, he said politely "You can wait outside if you want to, Ienaga-san."
However, the girl firmly shook her head. "No, I'll stay here with Nura-san." Rikuo's eyes slightly widened but he remained quiet, letting Mr. Yoshida unbutton his dark blue shirt. However, when the gentleman with a monocle finished three of them, there was a rapid knocking on the door. As he opened it, he was greeted by one of his waiters and two gentlemen in black suits.
"Ao, Kuro" Rikuo said, with a weak smile on his face. Kana recognized them as his bodyguards from before.
The waiter approached Mr. Yoshida and whispered something in his here which caused the monocle to drop from his eye.
Meanwhile, the burly brunette one stood in shock, his hands quivering with anger. "Just you wait, Rikuo-sama" he spoke with great passion "When I find out who was the b*****d that did this to you, I'll-'' he made a strangling motion with his strong arms.
Kuro elbowed him covertly in the ribs, his eyes narrowed. "Can we be of any help, Rikuo-sama?"
Mr. Yoshida, at the same time bowed towards Rikuo with a solemn expression. "Rikuo-sama, looks like there's been some problem. Please excuse me for a few minutes." After being met by the red-eyed man's questioning gaze, he sighed and said "The chandelier that fell on you wasn't a mere accident; its hanging cord was cut by something."
Kana gasped loudly but instantly covered her mouth, worried she may have disturbed all of them. However, none of them paid any attention to her as they seemed to be engaged in deep contemplation. There seemed to be a silent language that went on between the four of them; something which Kana couldn't comprehend. It was Rikuo who broke the silence. "Ao, Kuro" he turned sharply towards his bodyguards "Go with Yoshida-san and investigate."
"B-But, Rikuo-sama, your wounds-'' Ao started, looking shocked.
"I'll take care of them!" Kana volunteered, raising her hand.
Everyone stared at her with confused and serious expressions but Rikuo pulled her to his side and said "Don't worry; Ienaga-san will be here."
Though Ao still looked unconvinced, Kuro understood and bowed low towards Rikuo. "All right, Rikuo-sama. We'll see to it." Then following Mr. Yoshida, the black-haired bodyguard dragged the hesitant brunette away. Kana and Rikuo remained the only ones in the room.
After the door closed, Rikuo turned towards Kana with his famous smirk. "I think you were saying something about taking care of my wounds . . . . .?"
The brunette blushed into realization and with a short stutter of "Y-Yes!" she stared at the first aid box and then at Rikuo's half unbuttoned shirt. With trembling hands, she clasped the fourth button and slowly took it out of the gap. She continued this with the other, blushing whenever her warm hand came in contact with his cold chest.
Rikuo, meanwhile, was struggling to not show any of the pain on his face. There were at least five or more glass pieces lodged into his back and he could slowly feel blood flow down his jagged wounds. But on the other hand, he amused by the Ienaga girl's shivering fingers and blushes. She looked like a school girl on the verge of a panic attack.
When she was finally down unbuttoning his shirt, she looked down at her feet and said in a low voice. "U-Um, you gotta take it off so that I can-'' however, before she could even finish her sentence, the shirt was on the table, with Rikuo's bare upper body for her to see.
Quickly diverting her eyes from his muscular and toned chest, she opened the first aid box, making sure not to look in his direction. Relax, Kana, breathe. It's no big deal. Just clean his wounds and-and- Thoughts of his shirtless body threatened to distract her. STOP THINKING ABOUT IT! She smashed the first-aid box on the table and Rikuo was forced to ask "Are you all right, Ienaga-san?"
"Y-Yes, I'm coming!" the girl said, taking a glass plate and a pair of tweezers towards him. However, her eyes widened in horror when she saw the tiny pieces of shrapnel buried in his back. There were 10 or more and some were lodged in deep, so much that Kana almost puked. She didn't take blood and gore too well.
However, steeling her mind, she caught one of the pieces with the tweezers and pulled it out. Rikuo immediately groaned in pain and the brunette instinctively rubbed his back on areas where the pieces weren't stuck. But realizing what she was doing, she pulled her hand away, blushing horridly.
"Don't stop" Rikuo whispered, his voice hoarse. "It feels good." The brunette knew she couldn't possible feel anymore embarrassed but decided to go with his request. And slowly taking out the pieces and rubbing his back lovingly whenever he groaned, she was finally able to get out all the shrapnel from his body.
Rikuo was breathing heavily, his head aching. Even though the glass pieces were out, he still felt as if something was impaled on his back. But Kana's tender rubbing seemed to soothe his nerves. It was the first time in many years he'd let him get treated to a woman's caressing touch.
Meanwhile, Kana stared at the ointment she was supposed to put on his wounds. She tentatively warned "The ointment's gonna burn. So please be ready."
The idea seemed to displease the Nura heir greatly. "Do I have to put them?" he scowled.
Kana nodded aggressively. "Yes! They'll make your wounds a whole lot better and prevent infection!" He did not stop frowning but also did not object as her fingertips grazed against his wounds, coating them with the yellow ointment. Rikuo hissed at times but Kana used the tactic of rubbing his back which always quietened him down. Then, taking out white gauze, she patched him up till all his wounds were covered.
Smiling satisfactorily at her work, Kana dusted both of her hands and announced "There! Feel better now?"
"Yup" Rikuo answered, his mood lightened – though he did miss her caressing rubs. Donning on his shirt and blazer, he and Kana walked down the hallway only to be encountered by Ao and Kuro. Both his bodyguards looked relieved at seeing him to be perfectly fine. The red-eyed youth asked "Where's Mr. Yoshida?"
It was Kuro he answered. "His presence is required to calm down the panicking public. There seem to be lots of questions on their mind. What do you order our next steps to be?"
Rikuo waved it off. "We can discuss all that later. First, we need to drop off this lady home."
Kana nervously bowed and said "I can go home alone, Nura-san! There's no need of you to worry-''
He quickly put an index finger on her rosy lips. "Shh" he told a blushing Kana, grabbing her hand and walking downstairs. "Don't prevent me an opportunity to thank you for dressing my wounds." And for those caressing rubs.
"B-But I have a car!" she feebly interjected.
"Don't worry; I'll drop you off in your Polo." Turning to Ao and Kuro, he ordered "Take my Mercedes." When Ao was about to reject, he narrowed his red eyes. "NOW." They silently bowed, though a bit reluctantly.
Inside the restaurant, the public was in a panic. Mr. Yoshida and his staff were trying their best to explain them it was an accident but when they saw the presence of Rikuo Nura, they immediately surrounded him. "Nura-san! Are you okay?!" "You were pretty badly hurt!" "Did someone drop the chandelier on purpose, Rikuo-sama?!" "We heard the cord was cute!"
Rikuo shot them all a deadly glare and walking briskly, said "It was just a mere accident. Please do not make a mountain out of a molehill." At that time, Kana wondered why he needed two muscular bodyguards when his presence alone could make crowds give way to him. And the fact he was holding her wrist tightly made her blush at the quizzical stares from everyone.
As they were finally out in the parking lot, Rikuo took the car keys from Kana and turning towards his loyal bodyguards, ordered "You take the Mercedes and follow us. I'll drop Ienaga-san and come back." Much pleased with this plan, they bowed with a "Yes, Rikuo-sama" and got inside their respective cars.
As Rikuo sped off in the direction of her home, Kana could not help sneaking glances at him. Against the backdrop of a beautiful moonlit night, he looked magnificent, his blood blazer matching the color of his shimmering red eyes. Smirking, Rikuo said "Thanks, Ienaga-san."
"Huh?" she asked then realized what he was talking about. "O-Oh that was nothing. I'm just glad I could be of help." She nervously played with her fingers, staring down at her lap.
"I didn't know you could take blood and gore so well. I thought you'd panic and puke or something when you'd see the wounds on my back."
That was what I thought to. "I couldn't even begin to imagine how much pain you were in and I tried my best to help you get out of it." There was silence for a few minutes before Kana spoke up again. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"If I hadn't been there, you wouldn't have been hurt protecting me." Tears were threatening to spill out of her eyes. "I'm real-''
"Like I said, it wasn't your fault" explained Rikuo, looking a tad bit annoyed. "Even if you weren't there, I would've got hurt with that glass but without any reason." He turned his head towards her and smiled. "You should be relieved I got hurt doing something good." Kana didn't know what to reply to that so she just remained quiet.
In no time, they'd reached the pale yellow Ienaga residence. Getting out of the car, Rikuo turned back to see his beautiful Mercedes a distance away. He smirked and handing the keys to Kana, began walking towards his car. However, before he could take a further step, she grabbed his wrist. "Um" the brunette stuttered shyly "Thank you for today." Looking up, she shyly smiled "I enjoyed it."
"Even though you got nearly killed?" Rikuo asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kana giggled. "Yes but you saved me, didn't you? Thank you. Thank you for everything." They just stood their together, seemingly having some silent conversation going on.
The Mercedes honked and Rikuo stared at the moon. "All right, I'll get going now" he said, gesturing to the car. He'd half-turned when he turned back. "And I'm sorry to say this so late but you look gorgeous tonight." And with a small peck on her cheek, he briskly walked off.
Kana could only stare in shock at his retreating figure, her left hand touching her cheek.