The Laws Of Love
Chapter 6
"Bound in an envelope, these words hide bittersweet longings."
Dear Takumi,
I know it's only been a day, but I wonder what it should be like when I see you again. How long do you think that will be? I do know how to survive without you, as I have done for fifteen years, but it seems odd to think of it that way. I'd rather survive with you here. I guess beggers can't be choosers...
Do you think we can persuade your father? I saw a glint in his eyes the other night, something that looked hurt and disappointed, as if he really didn't want to force me out of the castle... Do you think that could be possible? Please do think it through properly and don't ride it off as a trick of the light just because you see your father in the way that you see him. I'm not you, remember?
I tried desperately last night to try and recall the time in which we met fifteen years ago, but I can't remember much. Just flashes of a purple flower and your blonde hair. I do vaguely recall you being my height which is extremely amusing to me as it wouldn't be the same to kiss you if you were my height now.
I really do wish I had something to remember you by, a physical item of the sorts... I guess my brain is preparing for the long run as I don't know how long it will be until I can see you again. I tend to conclude the worst things, you know?
I do hope that palace isn't driving you insane and that you take it easy every once in a while. I can't have you die from over exhaustion, then what would I do? Take a breather every so often, okay?
With love,
Misaki
Dear Misaki,
I understand what you mean about wishing you could survive with me there, as I feel the same way. It's good to know that you're finally being open about your feelings.
As for my father, I won't judge straight away, on your behalf, but I can't say that I trust him either. I'll keep an eye on the things he does, see if he sends me any hidden messages of the sorts. Did he really seem disappointed in his actions? That would be a first.
It seems awfully odd, but I can't remember anything about our first meeting either. Something is telling me that it isn't coming together properly... Maybe mother's memory is hazy and it never really happened that way. I'm fairly certain it did happen though, as I vaguely remember knowing a younger girl for about half a year. As for the height situation, all I am able to take from this is that you rather enjoy my kisses. And I am not going to be one to blame you.
You seem to have a hazy memory as well, as I gave you that picture of us by the river. It's in your desk drawer, remember? My gosh, you are getting old, Misaki.
As for the matter of time it will take till I see you again, I sincerely hope that the answer is not long. Try not to conclude the worse... but do not get your hopes up too high, as I can not promise anything.
The palace will probably drive me a little mental, as it always has, but if I've lasted this long, I don't see why it would faze me if I lasted a little longer. I won't die on you, Misaki, don't worry about that. And, for your personal knowledge, my breather is going to be drawing a portrait of you. I don't know if you know, but I rather enjoy art and you're the perfect thing to draw to ease my heart.
Don't you over work yourself either, missy. Look after yourself properly and remember that you're not alone in that house. Treat yourself every once in a while too, okay? I miss you.
With love,
Takumi
Dear Takumi,
Your letter only just arrived this morning, a week after I sent mine. I didn't realize that mail took so long in the capital, or maybe it's just that the palace has so much mail that mine gets lost in there for a while before it reaches you. I didn't address it with my name, so hopefully no one has had the nerve to look through it. That wouldn't happen, would it?
I found the picture you were talking about, and, for your information, I am not getting old! You're older than I am for a start so it's hardly fair of you to accuse me of such things.
You are quite the confident one, aren't you? So precariously dancing along the line of being somewhat of an arrogant prick I'd suggest. If it boosts your ego in any way, I apologise, but I do enjoy your kisses. That's why I don't complain when you shower so many of them on to me. Don't. Get. Cocky.
I do sometimes wonder if your mother's memory is inaccurate, but I've thought it over and she had been extremely descriptive. I don't think she would hand feed us lies either, she doesn't seem like that kind of person. And it must have happened, otherwise, how would she have known my mother's name? I suppose it could be in a palace record somewhere, but, even so, what use is that name to her if she did not know my mother? It's easy to say that I'm a tad confused with the whole situation.
I did not know that you enjoyed art, and I've been pondering whether you would actually be any good at it. Take no offense, but you don't seem like much of an artist. Though, I suppose you could have been taught as a lesson at some point. And to think that you're drawing me! I had better look magnificent if you want to continue giving me your beloved kisses, I'll have you know.
I miss you terribly. Suzuna has gone on a school trip to a neighbouring city for a few weeks so it's awfully lonely at home. I've closed up the shop for the time being as, even though I can cook, I'm not nearly as skilled as Suzu and I would have to pull an all nighter every night just to get the food out. I really don't know how she does it every day and still goes to school...
I hope to see you soon
With love,
Misaki
Dear Misaki,
I'm sorry my replies are taking longer. Father has put a lot of work in my name and it's been hell juggling that and a good sleep schedule. It's already been a month since I've seen you, huh? Most sappy people would say that it feels like an eternity has passed, though in reality I feel like I can still feel you and your warmth bundled up in my arms in the garden, pitcure everything as though it were moments ago...
I am terribly confident, aren't I? But you seem to enjoy that challenge so I rather think I'll stick to it. Sorry to disappoint. And, don't worry, I'm going to get extremely cocky, after all, you did just admit that you wouldn't complain if I kept kissing you... No one spoke of a place where I could not kiss your body, my dear. A rather thrilling rule that you never set, wouldn't you say?
I will have you know that I am really rather skilled at art, but your portrait isn't going to be half as soothing as the real thing, nor half as gorgeous.
It is a shame that Suzuna has gone away, but I know you can find something to occupy yourself. Wash your clothes more often if it pleases you or swim in that very river. Just don't stress out and over think things too much.
With love,
Takumi
Dear Takumi,
You must have really been swarmed with your work because though you mentioned being away for a month, it has now been two as I recieve this. I can't write for long as we're about to open up shop, but I need to know if you still love me. As a comfort thing, I suppose.
P.S. No one ever did speak of a place on my body that was off limits.
With love,
Misaki.
Dear Misaki,
I cannot write back any more, father is getting suspicious at the amount of letters I am suddenly writing and recieving. I love you unconditionally.
P.S. Though I cannot write back, I would like it if you could send one last letter for the time being.
With love,
Takumi
Dear Takumi,
It is a shame to hear that you cannot reply. I figured someone would catch on and I understand why you have to stop. Does it faze you to know that this is the sixteenth time I've re-written this? I didn't quite know what to say except that I love you too and I miss you.
With love,
Misaki
He read every letter they had exchanged thoroughly and sighed, running a hand through his hair as he put them back in Takumi's desk drawer.
"I'm sorry I had to do all this to you, son... I'm not really all that you think I am... I am going to set things straight..."