Author's Note: Been quite a while, huh? the world didn't end just yet so I still have time to reach the somewhat closer end of this story. College has been tough on me and fanfiction has just been out of my grasp for so long. But I'm glad I can offer you this chapter again! :) Happy New Year everyone! Oh, and this chapter is still the draft so I might upload the edited version later on, if you see too many typos, please bear with me. :)
Title: A Tale of Timeless Love
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Nope, sorry!
-OoO-
Chapter 14 The Uncharted Territory
Kukai was roused from his deep slumber by the incessant thudding, ceaseless voices and this extremely annoying singsong voice from outside. He woke up quite ill-tempered and blinked a few times to get his bearings right. He woke up in complete darkness and was disconcerted to find that he was not able to easily make out his surroundings. He recognized the smell of the room though, the smell of freshly cut flowers was characteristic of Reiji's room and Reiji's room alone.
As he lay on Reiji's bed, as nice a bed as it was, Kukai could feel the small jolts of pain that shot out from several parts of his body, the brunt of the pain came from his abdomen. His memory wasn't fuzzy enough for him to forget what had happened during the Trial. Kaidou-niisan had been more severe than usual and the end result was the soreness and absurd weakness he was experiencing.
Kukai tried his best to sit up, but he found himself gasping on his side, clutching his abdomen instead. God this was agony, the Trial was done but Kukai was still left to deal with the aftereffects. He tried to muster up some small bit of magic to alleviate the pain but he found that he had none left to spare. His brother had depleted his entire magical reservoir all in one night – something that had never happened even once in the course of his life.
"I can help you, if you want," Daichi offered, startling Kukai. He must really be incapacitated if he wasn't even able to sense Daichi's presence inside the room.
"Please," Kukai winced as another wave of pain struck his abdomen.
In the next second, the pain had dissipated entirely. Kukai sat up with ease and he searched upward for the faint outline of his partner. Before he realized it, Daichi settled himself on Kukai's shoulder. This annoyed Kukai more than he imagined.
"I hate this," he grunted, rearranging himself into a more comfortable position with his back against the wooden headboard.
"Hate what?"
"Feeling so…normal. I can't sense you or anyone else in this place. I don't know what the hell Kaidou-niisan did to me last night exactly, but I feel like a vegetable right now. I don't feel any magic running through my veins any more than I can see wounds on my body. I feel blind, Daichi. " Kukai complained, running a hand through his hair carelessly. He did not have night vision, but he always had an inkling of the people that surrounded him; as long as he knew where people were, he did not have to fear anything but this was the first time that Kukai felt anxious in the darkness because he could not feel the presence of other people.
"You realize that's how most people feel from the day they were born, correct?" Daichi said pointedly, "We can't all be born with magical capabilities like you. I didn't think you would forget, but Kaidou mentioned that it would take you at least a month to return to normal."
"A month!" Kukai burst out, outrage plain in his voice. He had been so focused on the Trial last night that he failed to remember his eldest brother's side comments. He thought Kaidou just wanted to test his concentration but he had been saying important things too. Kukai had to be more vigilant next time.
"Yes. A month. You'll have to get used to feeling like a vegetable," Daichi said unsympathetically which only nettled Kukai all the more.
A month without magic? Kukai could not even bear the thought. He could use magic since he was a child and to be suddenly deprived of it so thoroughly was ghastly thought. Already, he was feeling like a crippled man.
"How in the world do they expect me to be ready for Trial next month if I can't use my magic?" he asked with disbelief evident in his voice.
"You don't. You finished two Trials last night, meaning your Trial next month is cancelled," said Daichi matter-of-factly.
"What do you mean you – wait, what? Did you just say two Trials?" Kukai repeated, his eyes as wide as saucers.
"Yes. Two Trials. You probably weren't able to tell but Kaidou talked to me right before your Trial and asked me whether he could go forward with two Trials. I gave him permission."
"You let him put me through two Trials? It's no wonder I'm feeling like this," Kukai let out a breath and closed his eyes. He leaned against the headboard, feeling the cold touch of wood against his bare back. He let out a long sigh and ran a hand through his hair.
"So… how did I do?" he asked quietly. Kukai had been too tired to ask for Kaidou's assessment; the only thing on his mind was getting back to Yaya and Reiji as soon as possible.
"You passed spectacularly – even Kaidou was impressed by your persistence and progress. Rento is so proud of you. I am too," he said confidently.
Kukai let out a laugh. "That's good." His mood was a little better now. If only he could forget the fact that he was going to magically incapacitated for the next few weeks, he could have been utterly relieved after finishing his Trials.
"Kaidou intends to go through with three at one go next time, mind you," said Daichi out of the blue.
Kukai grimaced. "I'll probably die after next month," he said quite seriously. This time it was Daichi's turn to laugh. "Don't worry. I won't let them go that far."
"That makes me feel a little better." Kukai replied sarcastically.
Daichi laughed. "Careful. If you get any cheekier, I just might change my mind."
"We're resorting to threats now, are we?" Kukai asked wryly. He crossed his arms and tried to further understand his current predicament. "Daichi, is there way for me to recover my magic faster? I don't feel right if I don't train every day. Without magic, what am I going to do?"
Daichi paused for a moment before he replied, "How about trying to live like a normal person for once?"
"A… normal person?" surprise was plain in Kukai's voice.
"Yes. A normal person. Wake up, go to work, rest and repeat. No magic whatsoever. Just be the Souma Kukai that would have existed if he had not been chosen as my Keeper," Daichi explained softly in the darkness.
"That's sounds painfully dull, Daichi. I'm not built for that kind of life," Kukai replied dryly with a slight shake of his head. He couldn't even pretend to know what to do with such a life.
"Think about it for a moment. Haven't you ever wondered what it would be like to live like a normal person? No magic, no responsibilities, no duties, no expectations – a normal life, Kukai. Doesn't that hold any appeal for you?" Kukai wished he could see Daichi's face right now. He could guess but he had a feeling that his partner was wearing an expression he had not seen before. The darkness hid him well; if Kukai had even a shred of magic, he would have liked to light up the room himself.
"I've never really thought about stuff like that, Daichi." Kukai replied dismissively. "I've known magic since I was born. It's a part of me; I've never been without it until now. It's basically a given that I had no choice whether I would live a normal or abnormal life. I just so happened to be chosen as the Keeper, my reward was a different kind of lifestyle. I've never thought to question or wonder 'what if…', I just settled with what I had, given the circumstances I was placed under."
Kukai had never had to talk about it. He had already began his training when he was able to walk on his own. It was imprinted in his mind that the only thing he needed to be was an honourable Keeper of the Souma family. The normal Souma Kukai did not even have a chance from the very beginning, why should he make his appearance now?
"But you can finally experience it for yourself now." Daichi interjected softly, seemingly able to read his thoughts effortlessly.
"Do you think it would be beneficial to me if I did?" he asked seriously. He did not know what Daichi was trying to get at.
"Should you really be asking me that?" he shot back, which only increased his apprehension of the matter in question.
"I'm not sure, Daichi. I've been… well, me for the past 15 years, I can't just want to be normal all of a sudden."
"Why not?" Daichi asked seriously.
"I don't know. I just don't. Not right now, anyway. I still have a lot of things I need to do and I still need to improve myself," Kukai replied stubbornly. He clenched his fists and willed the tiniest amount of magic into his palm, sadly, his plea was not answered and the only thing that came to his palm was air.
"But you cannot achieve anything in the current state of your body." His partner easily refuted Kukai's determination. "I highly suggest you try it. Even just this once. Humor me, even just once." Daichi implored in a tone Kukai had never heard him use before.
Kukai was surprised, this was the first time Daichi had asked a favour of him. It was always the other way around and this was truly a first. He gave out a sigh. "Alright," he complied reluctantly. "Not today though, I still feel like a vegetable. I'll spend the day regaining my strength."
"Ah, but today is –"
There was a sudden blinding flash which accompanied the sound of a door being slid open. Kukai was momentarily blinded and after blinking a few times, Kukai was able to make out the faint silhouette of his childhood friend.
"You're awake? I'm glad! Just in time too, the guests have arrived." Reiji announced cheerily, his voice giving a slight echo in the previously enclosed room.
"Guests?" Kukai asked, confused.
"Today is the picnic," Daichi finished his previous sentence and Kukai understood. Heaving a sigh, he slowly got off the bed and ambled towards the bright light.
-OoO-
Amu could feel her eyelids dropping and it was only through her sheer willpower that she was able to keep her sleepiness at bay. She surreptitiously pinched the skin of her forearm to awaken her body and prevent it from falling into the clutches of dream land. Her feet were already numb and she could not pretend to be fully functional.
"Go to sleep, Amu. Even just for a little while. Tadase isn't going anywhere." She heard Ikuto's voice from behind her but she kept a rigid sitting position, her gaze steady on Tadase's sleeping form in front of her.
"I cannot. I must watch over him until he recovers completely." Amu replied stubbornly. Biting her lip to have another surge of pain awaken her.
"Weakening your body by not sleeping will not help him heal faster." Ikuto shot back a tad irritably. Amu looked at him through the corner of her eye. She found him leaning against the wall behind her, his eyes on her and his arms crossed. Amu did not understand why he was exuding such an aura of discontent when he was not the one inclined to watch over Tadase.
Tadase had inadvertently been taken ill two days after their rainy escapade to his mother's grave. Today was the scheduled day for the picnic together with Utau's fiancé but Tadase had fainted in the corridor just a few hours ago. A servant had found him and reported his condition to the king. The Princess and the aides were summoned to the Audience Hall to discuss what was to be done.
In the end, Amu had willingly volunteered to take care of Tadase. Utau had given her approval to Amu's proposal and the plan to attend the picnic had pushed through in the end, with the exception of Amu and Tadase.
Ikuto had not been present during the discussion but Amu knew that news travelled fast in the Palace; she was not surprised when Ikuto had casually strolled into Tadase's room to accompany her. But Ikuto had not entered in his usual majesty. He seemed to have rushed to the room in a hurry, out of breath and with his robes horribly askew.
"Ikuto," she uttered his name softly.
"What?"
There it was again, that unusual edge of dissatisfaction in his tone. Amu could not fathom the source of it.
"What are you doing here? There is no need for you to be here." She spoke in a gentle tone, treating his mood like a bomb which was ready to explode any minute.
"Are you are sending me away?" he asked pointedly. She could almost hear the thorns in his reply.
Amu's forehead creased; it was most definitely not her imagination that he sounded put out. "No. But you must have something better to do rather than accompany me here."
His reply was muffled by a moan from Tadase. Amu reacted accordingly, murmuring soothing words, brushing his hair away from his face and squeezing his hand underneath the thick blanket. She promptly replaced the wet cloth she had placed on his forehead and watched him attentively until he had settled down once more into a more relaxed slumber.
She turned back to Ikuto. "Sorry. I did not hear your previous reply." She apologized and at the same time, requested him to repeat it.
Amu did not hear an immediate reply, she opted to wait first but she felt the sudden urge to look back. She turned to Ikuto slowly and found him looking at the floor. She could not see his eyes but his fists were clenched into balls. His lips were set into a firm line and Amu was ascertained of the fact that something was indeed wrong with him.
She gave one last look at Tadase before she raised herself from her place and situated herself dutifully in front of Ikuto.
"Ikuto," she said his name softly. He did not respond; he was starting to worry her now. She tried to think of a way to make him look at her and the simplest solution presented itself to her.
Amu gave a small sigh and said, "Please forgive me," she reached out and grasped his face in between her hands, forcing him to look directly at her. She was surprised when she found his eyes closed, his jaw set stubbornly. Could he be sick too? Amu tried to measure his body temperature with her palms.
"Ikuto," she said a tad exasperatedly. "Something is wrong. Tell me," she beseeched him. She did not understand why he was acting like this; it was starting to trouble her. She already had her hands full taking care of Tadase, would she have to take care of him at the same time too?
"Ikuto, tell me what's wrong," she pleaded with him. "Please."
He gave a sigh and slowly opened his eyes. His forehead was creased as he replied, "It's nothing," he replied indifferently.
"Do not try to lie to me," said Amu firmly. "You're upset about something, are you not? Tell me. Maybe I can do something about it."
Ikuto made a complicated face, something between amused and incredulous. "A convenient offer," he muttered and Amu almost didn't catch it.
"What do you mean?" she asked in confusion. She was about to pull her hands from his face when Ikuto grabbed them and held them in place. He turned sideways and planted a kiss on her palm. Amu felt her face heat up immediately. She tried to forcefully pull her hand away but his grip was firm.
Her embarrassment, however, did not stop her from noticing that there was still this troubled air about him. She braved her discomfiture and leaned forward, closer to Ikuto. She leaned her forehead against his and repeated her question more forcefully.
He seemed surprised by her actions so much that he was momentarily speechless, looking dumbly at her for a few seconds. He laughed spiritedly after half a minute, then let go and enveloped her in his arms. Amu turned a deeper shade of red before she struggled to free herself.
"Stay with me for a bit. You asked me what you could do, right? Allow me the privilege of embracing you, even just for now," he said gently, burying his face in her neck. Amu was afraid he would bite her again but refrained from voicing it out. Instead, she gingerly raised her hand and began patting his head tentatively, it was embarrassing but Amu thought it was the best thing to do in this situation. Ikuto seemed to be calming down and returning to his usual self now.
"W-will you tell me what's troubling you now?" she stuttered slightly and blushed again.
"I'm just being a bit foolish. I'm sorry. I was upset with myself; it's not your fault." His voice was slightly muffled but Amu understood it, nonetheless. She could feel his breath on her bare neck and she was beginning to feel uncomfortable again.
"Are you telling the truth?" her voice was no louder than a whisper. She had not forgotten that there was a sick patient right behind her.
"Not completely – but the rest is a secret."
"Is it something I should know?"
"Not just yet. Maybe some time in the future, you yourself will ask about it." There was a sort of wistfulness in his tone, it did not escape Amu's notice.
"Will you provide me with an answer then?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on my mood." Even without seeing his face Amu could tell that he was smiling mischievously just then. She felt one of his hands on her lower back while the other was placed in between her shoulder blades. She closed her eyes and became acutely aware of the spots where he was touching her. His scent was so much more potent in this proximity and Amu could not help being drawn in.
Once again, she had been pulled into his pace. Why was it that she could not avoid being monopolized by this person?
"Hey, Amu." She could feel the thrum of his chest as he spoke, the two of them were that close. He radiated pleasant warmth – the unique warmth from physical contact. The two of them had been in close contact quite a few times and Amu had felt this same warmth from Ikuto's body.
"Yes." She replied swiftly, despite her sudden breathlessness.
"Would you do the honor of trimming my hair after the Imperial Festival?" he asked good-naturedly.
"Cut…your…hair?" Amu asked haltingly. Her hand paused from patting his head as she tried to picture herself cutting the very hair she was touching. Amu felt bare skin against her neck and she assumed it was Ikuto's nose.
"Yes. It's gotten quite long. The last time I had it cut was a few months ago, I haven't had time for another one in a long time," he said absently.
Amu was blunt in her reply to his request. "But cutting your hair, Ikuto. I simply cannot do it. I am inexperienced in that field. If I were to cut your hair, it would end up less than perfect." She argued, trying to dissuade him from the very notion of him thinking her capable of such an honor.
"That would be alright. As long as you cut it, I will be happy," he said contentedly.
"I beg you to reconsider." She pleaded.
"No." He replied resolutely, in a tone that denied any protest.
"But I –" still, that would not stop her from trying.
"It doesn't matter. Just snip off what you think is unnecessary. I won't be appearing in public any time soon. My coming of age ceremony is still months away. If it turns out as horrid as you think it will be, there will ample time for me to grow it out and have it cut again," said Ikuto reasonably, Amu could tell that he would not be talked out of it and it was pointless to argue.
Instead, Amu asked. "Why must it be me?" So many times has this question plagued Amu. Not just in this instance but countless times during and after their covert meetings. Why was Ikuto so set upon her?
"I want it to be you." He answered without missing a beat. Without knowing why, Amu felt her face flush once more.
"You…really are selfish aren't you," she replied dryly, deciding that the matter had already been settled a few moments ago.
"…and possessive and I get jealous easily too." He continued merrily. Amu could already imagine his smile. His grip tightened and he pulled her more firmly against his body. Amu did not think it possible that they could get any closer.
"You have experienced jealousy?" At her question, Ikuto chuckled.
"Who has not? As a matter of fact I've been plague by jealous just recently," he said in a somewhat playful tone. It was as if Ikuto was enjoying his own private joke to which Amu could not relate in the least.
"What is there to be jealous about? You have everything a person could ever desire." She interjected.
"I have everything other people desire, there is a great difference. It does not necessarily mean I covet them myself." He countered and Amu acknowledged his point but still, to be royalty and not appreciate what you were blessed with – such thing mystified her. It was beyond her capacity of understanding.
"On the contrary, you may have that viewpoint simply because you were born with all of it from the beginning," she said logically.
"Good answer," Ikuto nodded with appreciation, "It is human nature to always yearn for things which are not ours. I was born royalty, so it is expected that I should desire something which my birth right has not already entitled to me." He added reasonably.
"Then what is it that you want, Ikuto?" Amu asked quietly. Amu felt him pull his head away from her neck and soon her eyes met eyes as dark as the night. He leaned even closer to her and just as she had done to him moments before, he pressed his forehead against her own.
Amu was frozen in place. "What…" he began slowly, "do you think I want, Amu?" his breath fanned her face.
"Besides a haircut?" she asked seriously.
Ikuto broke out into a fit of laughter; Amu hastily covered his mouth with her free hand. "Ikuto please, there is still an ill person in this room. Restrain yourself." Amu chastised and she felt him grin against her palm. He gave a small nod and Amu withdrew her hand.
"Well, how can I not laugh when you leave me no choice but to do so with that sort reply?" he stared at her accusingly.
"I apologize," Amu said dryly, trying to forget once more how close the two of them were to each other. Ikuto had moved away quite a bit so she could breathe a little better now.
Ikuto stifled another laugh just as Tadase began to murmur in his sleep. Both heads turned to the blonde prince's direction.
"Flowers…hair…pretty…like to…garden…nice…" he mumbled hazily. His breathing was less laboured now; Amu could tell he was getting better.
"He seems to be having a good dream for someone who's ill," said Ikuto playfully with a smile.
"He looks better. I need to check his temperature and change the cloth one last time. May I ask you to release me?" she looked at him imploringly. Ikuto gave a smile and just as Amu had her hopes up, answered. "No."
She was about to argue when Ikuto pulled the two of them up and drew closer to Tadase. He situated himself right beside the sleeping Prince and placed Amu right beside him with an arm wrapped around her waist.
He took care of Tadase deftly. Washing his face, replacing the cloth, even checking his temperature. Amu was somewhat dumbstruck by the sight of him taking care of the Second Prince; she almost forgot that it was her duty, almost.
"Ikuto, please do not interfere with my duties. I volunteered to –" Ikuto placed a finger over her mouth, silencing her next words. He placed his index finger against his lips to tell her to quiet down.
"Let me do it as an apology to the little prince."
"Apology for what?"
"It's a secret."
"You seem to be enjoying your secrets," said Amu wryly.
"Yes, yes I am." He readily agreed with a smile.
"And to think just a few moments ago, you acted like an upset child."
Ikuto seemed to have muttered something in reply but Amu did not hear it.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I said," He repeated, "There are times that I will act like a brat, so please spoil me when those times arise." Amu felt herself blush at his request and decided to refrain from offering an opinion. Instead, she opted to discuss other matters.
"But you surprised me," she commented, "I never thought you knew how to take care of a sick individual."
"What prejudice," he replied without any venom in his tone. "Just because I'm royalty doesn't mean I'm incompetent in the field of medicine. Rather, it's a bit of my specialty actually."
"You mean to say that you help sick people left and right?" Amu asked incredulously.
"No. I simply meant I was knowledgeable in the methods and principles of that field so putting it into practice isn't a problem for me. I have confidence in my skills."
"You have confidence in everything you do," said Amu with a sigh.
"Your tone implies that it is a bad thing." Ikuto pointed out.
Amu shook her head slowly, "Not at all. If I were to be frank, I regard people such as you admirable." She continued in a no nonsense tone. Ikuto laughed softly.
"I wonder why…?" he mumbled no one in particular. "…about you?"
"Hmm? What about me?"
"Oh sorry. I was just thinking aloud," he said glibly. After a moment he said, "I have a question."
"Yes," Amu replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She knew he would never run out of questions to ask her, just as she knew he would not let go of her if she asked him. Amu would have been too embarrassed to react if Ikuto had done this the first time they had met, but in the end she was already beginning to be accustomed to his quirkiness and usual demands.
It only meant that she was already getting closer to her goal of not being affected by him. Amu wondered why she did not feel a sense of achievement; she should have in these circumstances – but instead, she felt somewhat…relaxed and peaceful.
"Do you regret not attending the picnic?" he spoke softly as he rested his chin on his palm, gazing down at Tadase.
"I regret not being able to accompany her Highness. The picnic is inconsequential, it is my duty to be by her side but I chose to remain here in the castle. That is the only thing I regret." Amu replied easily, focusing her gaze on Tadase's face too.
"That answer is just like you," he said lightly. "I've never been allowed outside the castle premises except during the Imperial Festival and that's just to visit a shrine on a mountain. I have only seen the city and its surroundings from afar. Can you tell me something?"
Amu nodded once.
"Can you tell me about the house you live in?" he asked with genuine curiosity in his voice.
"Where I live? Why not ask about the Imperial city instead?" she suggested.
"I am not interested in the Imperial City."
"Do you mean to imply that you are interested in the place where I live?"
"Yes. Very much so." He answered with a smile.
Amu gave a sigh. It wasn't a difficult question, she understood why he would want to know about the outside world – but why was he so interested in her life in general? All these question about her, Amu was running out of things she had never told anyone.
"I…" she began. A wave of drowsiness washed over her and she suddenly became acutely aware of how tired she was. She had worked late to make up for the time she spent with Tadase. Suddenly, she was pulled downwards, and before she knew it – she was looking up at Ikuto's amused face.
"It was foolish of me to forget your fatigue. Please rest, Amu."
"But I –" she protested, fighting the call of sleep.
"Must sleep to perform your functions more efficiently. Even just for a while, Amu. Just close your eyes and rest. I will take over while you are resting." Before Amu could protest any more, Ikuto covered her eyes with his hand and she felt something soft against her forehead. "If you do not sleep within three minutes, I will be forced to take more drastic measures than this."
It was only then that she realized Ikuto had kissed her forehead. Amu blushed furiously. She was too stunned to form a reply and before he could do anything more to her, she willed herself to fall asleep – all the while setting her body clock to wake up within an hour.
In the realm between sleep and consciousness, Amu wasn't sure if she imagined the light pressure she felt against her lips but momentarily forgot about it as she completely fell into a deep slumber.
-OoO-
"Everyone's gone!" Yaya complained loudly, putting down the sandwich she was nibbling on. She glared childishly at the sandwich, as if it had committed a great sin against her. "Amu-chan and Tadase-chin didn't come. Reiji and Utau-chan went off on their own and Kukai can't come out and play." Her eyes began to water.
"Yuiki-san, please calm down," said Kairi gently.
"But there's no point in a picnic if nobody is here. I wanted to have fun with everybody but you're the only one here!" she continued in a somewhat tearful tone accompanied by a loud sniff.
"I am sorry," said Kairi sincerely, Yaya raised her eyes and looked at him in confusion.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Because I am not a suitable companion for events such as this. It would have been better if the Second Prince was here with you rather than me. You would not have reason to complain if that were the case. Please forgive my incompetency." Kairi spoke with genuine emotion and Yaya wore an expression of surprise.
After a moment, Yaya took a deep breath and made a weird face. Kairi watched her attentively, expertly hiding his amusement. Yaya's lips were pursed together tightly and her fists were clenched on her lap. She was looking upward and blinking very fast. When this continued for half a minute, Kairi could not restrain himself any longer.
"Yuiki-san? What –?" he began to ask but Yaya cut him off with a severe look that clearly demanded his silence.
Kairi pursed his lips and waited for her permission to speak. When the bizarre expression on her face disappeared, Kairi finally understood what she had been trying to do.
"Were you by any chance, pushing back your tears?" he asked bemusedly.
Yaya blushed, "Yes," she answered sheepishly.
Kairi was suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to laugh. He began to laugh unrestrainedly and he could not stop so easily. Yaya was dumbfounded for a moment before she puffed her cheeks and frowned at him. She refused to look at him even when he had finally recollected himself.
"Forgive me, Yuiki-san." Kairi apologized, tempted by the urge to laugh at her expression this time.
"And after I stopped crying for your sake." She huffed. Kairi's eyes widened in surprise.
"You did that for me?" he asked and when she only snorted in reply, he denied the impulse to laugh again when he gave a proper reply. "Thank you and I am sorry for laughing at you." He continued with genuine gratitude. It was rude of him to laugh at her effort and he knew his actions demanded a suitable apology and display of thanks.
Yaya finally looked at him through the corner of her eye; when she saw Kairi looking apologetic enough, she turned back to him and gave a beaming smile. "Apology accepted." She answered graciously. Kairi gave a small smile in return.
"And to think just recently, it was I who said the very same thing to you." Kairi commented and Yaya laughed.
"mmm-hmm!" she nodded and resumed her task of consuming her sandwich. "I wonder where Reiji and Utau-chan wandered off to?" she asked, after taking another bite.
"You…" said Kairi with a frown, "You really do not pay no attention to how you address people, do you? You address royalty as if you have the same social status."
"I do. Probably more than you," Yaya gave another huff, "I simply think that calling them by title is just stupid," Yaya said steadfastly.
"Stupid?" Kairi asked curiously, "why would you consider it stupid? Is it not appropriate to address one of higher rank by his title? To do otherwise would be impolite and impudent."
Yaya seemed to have troubled trying to phrase her reply because it took her a minute before she could answer, "Well… it's just…stupid," she said lamely but she seemed to think better of it when she caught a glimpse of Kairi's expression.
"I mean, they were given proper names, correct? Why should we be forbidden to call them by their name simply because they are royalty? Reiji once told me, that bearing a title makes you feel lonely sometimes. Because the only thing other people see is that title, they don't acknowledge the fact that you exist. He also told me, that the best way to make someone feel appreciated is to call them by their first name because a person's name represents their being and choosing not to say it is like denying their existence." Yaya spoke in a matter-of-fact tone and Kairi listened to her reply with rapt attention, digesting her every word.
He was silent for a few moments when Yaya chose to speak again, "If you think about it, other people prefer not to be associated with their family name. There are a lot of people like that not just in the Manor."
Like myself, Kairi thought, seeing a vivid image of his sister in his mind. The name of Sanjo was one that was not easily forgotten. His family had been serving as the personal aides of royalty since the country of Seiyo was erected. His sister forbade failure and accepted only the best performance from Kairi. From a young age, he had already carried the high expectations of his sister. That was probably the reason why he preferred not to be associated with her.
Yukari Sanjo was the epitome of an Emperor's aide. She was esteemed by their parents and he was always – always, compared to his faultless sister. Yukari this, Yukari that – her name was the only constant thing he heard as he grew up. When he had been chosen as the First Prince's heir, instead of praising him they just scoffed and told him that Yukari had been chosen as the Emperor's aide at his age.
"Ugh..." he muttered under his breath. He shook his head and dispelled his dark thoughts, focusing once more on Yaya who had paused and stared at him in puzzlement.
After a moment, Yaya smiled slyly. "Hehe, Kairi-kun is the same right?" she asked confidently. Kairi immediately understood what she meant.
"I guess so," he admitted easily, giving a small sigh. It surprised him how effortlessly he had given away that fact. "How did you find out?" he continued in an inquisitive voice.
"I just do," she answered arrogantly and Kairi looked at her in surprise, before he laughed good-naturedly.
"Would this be the rumoured, woman's intuition?" he asked more to himself than to his companion.
"Noooo.." Yaya said in a singsong voice. "Kairi-kun is bad at hiding his emotions," Yaya added shrewdly.
Kairi was rendered speechless for moment. To be told such by a person who was simple minded and easy to read, it was not something to be recovered from easily.
"Or maybe the right term is that you're honest?" she added hesitantly after a moment, looking to the sky as if it held the answer. She suddenly looked at Kairi seriously, "Just like a few moments ago. You were irritated by something, weren't you?"
To this statement, Kairi was disquieted once again. He did not affirm nor reject her statement. He could only wonder how she came to that conclusion.
"Now you're confused!" she added with another crafty grin, pointing her index finger at him.
Could it be, Kairi thought, that she really could distinguish his emotions from his face alone?
"Can you –" he began.
"Really tell what I'm feeling?" she continued in unison with him, after which she giggled like a child who had played a perfect prank.
"I can't," she answered in a somewhat apologetic tone. "This was a trick Reiji played on me a long time ago when we first met."
"Then that was all acting?" Kairi asked quietly, trying to grasp the character of this strange girl named Yuiki Yaya.
"Not completely," she said softly, "A while ago, you really did make an annoyed face when you were immersed in your thoughts. Reiji trained me to read body language but your expression a few minutes ago expressed most of your sentiments easily."
Kairi could only stare at her. How many minutes had she already silenced him with her words alone? Kairi took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as he gathered about his wits which seemed to have thrown out of his head by this girl.
Instead of saying anything, Sanjo Kairi, the personal aide of the heir to the Royal Family, chose to laugh without restraint. The situation was now reversed, it was now Yaya who was left wordless, or rather, it would be more appropriate to say that she did not know how to respond to Kairi in this situation.
When Kairi could not let out another sound, Yaya suddenly glared at him. Kairi noticed this immediately and righted himself.
"You were laughing at Yaya, weren't you?" Yaya asked with narrowed eyes. "I don't like being laughed at for no reason, Kairi-kun." She added with a pout and an audible 'hmph'.
Kairi shook his head emphatically, "I wasn't laughing at you," he said sincerely. "I was laughing at myself, really."
At his last sentence, Yaya frowned at him. "Why would you laugh at yourself?"
"I was laughing at how astounded I am with you, Yuiki-san. Has anybody ever told you how amazing you are?" Yaya blinked in surprise at his words, a tinge of red made her way to her cheeks.
"W-what!" she exclaimed, clearly embarrassed by Kairi's question. "O-of course! Reiji always s-says that Yaya is a-amazing!" she retorted half-heartedly, stuttering quite badly.
"I take back my words that you are an incompetent aide," said Kairi seriously, "You are much better off as you are now. I can understand why the young heir chose you to be his aide." He added gently with a small smile.
"W-why is Kairi-kun saying such things as a time like this?" she asked self-consciously, waving her hands in a frenzy.
She had her quirks and misgivings, but she was definitely a good person. She may act childish and aloof but she had good qualities too. He had thought that Reiji-dono had chosen her as his aide merely out of fondness but it was now clear to Kairi that there was something special about this girl. She was not like other aides – he and Hinamori were similar to each other and even if he would not admit it openly, they were undoubtedly similar to his sister. Yaya was undeniably different from all of them.
"Yuiki-san," he called her attention, seeing that she was still agitated. "I may have acknowledged you, but you are still far too inexperienced!" he chided her in light tone.
Embarrassment gave way to indignation just as Kairi had divined. "That's just because Kairi-kun is too much like an adult," she pulled out her tongue at him.
"I believe that to be the case, too. I can't be as simple as Yuiki-san." Kairi had meant it as a compliment but it seemed Yaya thought he was insulting her.
"Don't nonchalantly agree with me! And speaking of which, why do you still call me Yuiki-san? Call me Yaya. Ya-ya," she stressed the two syllables of her name and Kairi decided to humor her. "After I went through all the trouble of explaining my principles to you, the least you can do is take the initiative to humor me." She chastised him in a tone that Kairi recognized as her severe tone.
"Then, Yaya-san –" he began but Yaya cut him off again.
"Don't put an honorific! Only my name," she said firmly.
Kairi paused before he complied, "Ya..ya." he added the last syllable uncertainly but he found Yaya beaming at him. She nodded approvingly, then closed her eyes and seemed to focusing intensely on something.
"Is something the matter, Yui –Yaya?" he corrected himself hastily but Yaya seemed to not have noticed his blunder. Kairi could only watched her scrunched up face in amusement, previously she had shown him a similar face when she was trying to withhold her tears; Kairi could only guess what she was doing now.
After a few more seconds, her eye flew open and she smiled triumphantly, "There," she announced cheerfully.
"What in the world were you concentrating so hard on?" Kairi asked in bewilderment.
"I was tucking away the moment safely in my memory."
"What moment?"
"The moment when Kairi called me by my name," she answered promptly, "I don't want to forget such an important event. So I take time to engrave it to my memory. That was what I was doing just moments ago." She happily supplied.
Kairi gazed at her steadily, attempting to gauge how many more times she would surprise him like this.
"As I thought," he breathed out, "I really can't be like Yaya," he said wistfully, thinking how nice it would be to live such an easygoing lifestyle. A life like that was a fleeting dream for a Sanjo such as him.
"Kairi-kun is Kairi-kun. You don't have to be like Yaya." Yaya replied not unkindly.
Kairi gave a wry smile.
"I believe few would admit that they would like to be Yaya." Kairi could not help commenting.
Instead of his expected reaction, Yaya only gave him another knowing smile. "Yaya thinks it is better like that. That way I won't be forgotten so easily."
"True enough," Kairi agreed. He gave a serene smile and closed his eyes.
"Are you tired, Kairi-kun?" Yaya asked and Kairi shook his head slowly in reply.
"Not at all. I actually feel very peaceful at the moment." He answered honestly.
He did not see Yaya's pleased smile as she replied, "Maybe it's the atmosphere here. Yaya has always found it to be soothing." She explained briefly, Kairi gave a clever smile.
"I do not think it has anything to do with the atmosphere of the Manor," Kairi muttered under his breath. It most likely had something to do with his companion.
"I didn't catch your reply," Yaya cried in complaint. Kairi only chuckled in reply, pouring a fresh batch of tea into his cup and taking a leisure sip. When he found Yaya frowning at him, he decided to satisfy her with a suitable answer.
"I merely said that you might be right. It truly is a pleasant place," he continued well naturedly, taking another sip of tea.
"I'm glad," Yaya said suddenly and Kairi's eyes widened slightly expressing his silent question eloquently. "I was worried that you might not smile at all for the whole duration of the picnic. I'm glad that you seem happier now." She smiled with a very pleased air. Kairi could only smile back in a somewhat embarrassed manner.
"I suppose I would have acted as such if the any other would have been present here." He acknowledged. Such unconcerned conduct would not have been forgiven in the presence of the other residents and servants of the Royal Palace. Kairi supposed he should have been thankful, but to rejoice in the illness and absence of the Second Prince was inexcusable so he settled with simply accepting this blessing from whichever Kami was watching over him.
"Is it really that hard, Kairi-kun? To act as yourself in the Palace?" Yaya asked with a hint of melancholy in her tone.
"Nothing of that sort," Kairi said dismissively trying to ease her, "It is just that people in the Palace are very dutiful people. We act and respond as what is expected from us. It's not a burden, we chose this for ourself and have chosen to fulfil our responsibilities." He explained offhandedly.
"Then…Amu-chan too? Does she feel the same way?"
"If it is about Hinamori-san, I believe we share the same sentiments. We do not think of our duty as a burden. We are both dedicated people so we would not do something like forsake our obligation to the people who we are greatly indebted to." From the conversations they had shared in the past, Kairi could easily tell that he and Hinamori were birds of the same feather. Though she was likely more dedicated than Kairi, he knew that they were of the same disposition with regards to their work. He highly praised her steady mind set for someone who was classed as a mere commoner.
"Do you enjoy your job then, Kairi-kun?" Yaya asked seriously.
Kairi remembered that she had asked him this very question previously. Kairi did not remember what he replied but there was a different answer bubbling inside him.
"It is fulfilling. Being of use to someone is fulfilling." He answered in a quiet voice, "When someone thanks me for my hard work, those are the moments when I feel the most appreciated – when I feel that there is reason for me to be here in this world."
Yaya smiled and nodded as if she perfectly understood this. "It really is nice knowing that you are needed." She agreed in a tone that spoke of experience.
They sat there in a comfortable silence, drinking tea at intervals and eating occasionally. They continued to chatter amiably, unaware of the events occurring on the other side of the Manor.
-OoO-
Utau clasped the flowers in head hand tightly as she roamed about the Manor, looking for Reiji who seemed to have disappeared into thin air. After aimlessly moving about, losing her way and direction quite a few times, Utau decided to give up searching for him altogether. She sat down on the edge of the hallway in the most dignified manner she could manage in this situation.
She heaved a heavy sigh. Why had Reiji-dono left her in the garden so suddenly? He had told her to pick as many flowers as she liked; he had watched her from behind for quite some time and when she had decided to show him her prized bundle, he had simple vanished without a trace. Reiji had only led her along to this part of the Manor and she had no idea of the layout of the place.
For quite some time, she had been going left and right through the hallways, looking for a servant to lead her back to Sanjo Kairi and Yuiki Yaya. But to her dismay, she had forgotten that Reiji had casually said that all the servants were on a break after they had finished the preparations for the picnic. He said it was a good idea to let the servants rest once in a while. But this good idea only left her all the more lost in this place. Reiji had not thought of leaving her a map of some sort and this fact only increased her frustration with her fiancé.
Just as she was lamenting her troubling situation, a childish voice penetrated her thoughts.
"Eh? Hime-chan? Is that you?"
Utau turned her head hastily and was relieved to find green-haired boy floating only a foot away from her. She was more surprised to find a floating set of robes hanging in midair right below him.
"D-Daichi!" she exclaimed, rising to her feet and kneeling before the young boy. If Daichi was here, that meant that he was here too. "Is Kukai here, too?"
Daichi gave a smile and nodded, "Yeah. He is. As a matter-of-fact, I'm bringing him these robes right now."
"May I come with you?" she asked imploringly.
Daichi seemed to hesitate a little, "Well, you see. He's –" he began to say when Utau cut him off cleanly.
"Please."
Daichi paused, gave a sigh and just shrugged unconcernedly. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt," he said reluctantly, scratching the back of his head. "It's no skin off my back," he muttered under his breath and shrugged again.
"Then shall we get going?" he asked inquisitively. Utau gave him a bright smile and nodded once.
They began walking, or in Daichi's case – floating, at a leisurely pace such that it demanded light conversation.
"I was informed that you would be coming but I did not expect you enter this part of the Manor. It is usually reserved for the Souma Family alone," he said sensibly, looking at Utau questioningly.
"Reiji-dono, left me in a certain part of the Garden suddenly and I lost my way." She answered, trying to keep the resentment of the said person from her voice.
"Ahh… That was a tad irresponsible of him." Daichi commented and Utau silently agreed. "Still, did he not mention that he has a short audience with his father around this time?"
Utau shook her head, "He simply allowed me to pick flowers from the Garden and suddenly vanished when I turned back to where I had last seen him."
Daichi nodded as if he perfectly understood what had happened. He glanced at the bundle of flowers still clenched in her right hand and gave a smile. "That's an interesting choice of flowers." He commented which forced Utau to look at the flowers she herself had chosen from the numerous flowers that had engulfed her entire vision moments before.
"They all seem to be shades of red or green," he Daichi continued, "Is there some reason for that?" he asked curiously.
Suddenly realizing the exact reason for why she had chosen those colors on random, her face colored slightly. "I…I favor Christmas colors over others." She replied awkwardly, giving the first excuse that came to mind.
"I see," Daichi seemed to have accepted it without a further desire to pursue the subject.
The colors she had chosen were the colors that she identified Kukai the most with. Could she have been thinking of him subconsciously as she was picking out the flowers? It could not have been Reiji on her thoughts because Reiji had nothing red about him. They both had the same green eyes but his hair was dark as night, whereas Kukai's hair had a beautiful tinge of red in it. Recently, her favourite color had been blue, sapphire blue – but to be suddenly picking these colors was a surprise. It only meant one thing – a certain someone's existence was becoming more important to her and Utau was not bothered by it in the least.
"Ah, we're here." Daichi announced unexpectedly and Kukai raised her head to the two adjacent sliding doors.
"Kuuukaaai! I've brought your robes!" Daichi yelled loudly.
The door gently slid open and the sight that greeted Utau was one that made her lose her grip on herself slightly. It was definitely Kukai – but he was half naked, his lower half was covered by a lone flimsy towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was wet and droplets of water remained on his uncovered flesh – it was clear to Utau that he had just finished his bath.
It seemed like Kukai was surprised by her appearance too, so much that he did not realize the state of indecency he was in. It was only when Utau turned around sharply and told him to 'put some clothes on!' that he seemed to awaken from his shock.
"D-Daichi!" he cried out in exasperation. Utau heard the rustling of clothes and Daichi's teasing voice. "I didn't expect you to come out so grandly, Kukai." Daich laughed, clearly enjoying the humiliating scene from a moment ago.
"How was I supposed to know that you had company? I'm half blind remember?" Kukai retorted irritably. The sound of clothes persisted after a few minutes. When Kukai announced, "I'm dressed now." Utau mustered the courage to turn around.
He was dressed in his green servant clothes with his hair still leaving wet stains on his collar. A few strands were sticking to his face and his hair was less unruly than usual. He went back inside and when he returned, he was drying his hair with a new towel. After drying it, he threw aside the towel carelessly and avoided eye contact with Utau as he spoke.
"Sorry about that. I wasn't aware that you were accompanying Daichi." He apologized sincerely, adding a deep bow that expressed his regret. When he straightened himself, Utau reached out and touched his face with both hands. He seemed to have grown taller all of a sudden. He had to bend down slightly to remain within her reach. He was that tall.
"There are dark circles under your eyes," she pointed out, touching them lightly with her fingertips. Kukai blushed slightly at the contact but kept his composure.
"I've been busy," he replied nonchalantly, glancing briefly at Daichi with a knowing smile.
"Are you finished with your job then?"
"For now," Kukai readily answered.
Utau slowly let go of his face and frowned at him. "Shouldn't you be resting then?"
"I guess so. But Reiji asked me to attend the picnic for him. He said he had to discuss urgent business with the Minister," Kukai explained, "Though I fail to see why he has to do such a thing on the very day of the picnic he planned himself. Sometimes, I just don't understand that guy." Kukai breathed a sigh and gazed at her with a pleasant smile that made Utau's heart squeeze a little.
"So, what brings you to this part of the Manor, Utau? I believe the venue of your picnic is on the opposite side of our current location."
Utau was about to explain what his master had done but thought better of it and instead answered, "It's a long story."
"I'm assuming that you are lost then?" he asked knowingly.
"Y-yes." She reluctantly answered despite his teasing smile.
"I'll escort you to the venue then," he replied easily, taking her hand and pulling her into step beside him. Utau was momentarily stunned by the warmth of his hand but she found her voice soon enough after a few steps.
"Wait!" she cried out and Kukai paused in mid-step. He looked back at her questioningly. She answered haltingly. "I don't want…to…go back to the venue… just yet."
"Ahhh…" Kukai nodded in understanding, "Do you mind spending time with this servant then, Princess?"
"I told you not to call me Princess." She replied shortly with a frown, to which Kukai grinned.
"I know. Because a Princess would not get lost so easily." He answered jokingly.
"H-how rude! Is this how you treat your friend?" she asked pointedly which only made Kukai's grin widen.
"In fact, yes – this is how I treat the people I like." He answered nonchalantly but Utau could not help noticing the light tinge of red on his cheeks. "Daichi," he suddenly uttered the little boy's name. Daichi appeared soon after on his shoulder.
"It seems our plan –"
"I understand. We can do it later. I'll keep an eye on Reiji for you in the meantime." Daichi replied knowingly.
"Alright. Thanks," he said gratefully and Daichi abruptly disaapeared.
"You had plans with him?" Utau asked.
Kukai nodded, "Something like that," he answered vaguely. Utau had talked with Kukai enough to tell that this was something related to his part-time job that Utau dared not broach upon. He always gave vague answers to questions occasionally and Utau always took that as a sign not to pry any more than this.
"Where are we headed?"
"I don't really know. Where do you want to go?" he asked shrewdly, glancing back at her.
"Your room," she answered without really thinking. After realizing what she said, she flushed red not unlike Kukai's hair. Kukai was looking at her in surprise but laughed soon after.
"That should be allowed, I suppose. There is no rule that I am not allowed to bring royalty to my room but why would you want to see my room?" he seemed not to have noticed what her words would have normally implied. Utau's embarrassment turned to irritation.
"As I thought, you are still a kid after all," she muttered loud enough for Kukai to hear.
"You talk as if you are already an adult, Utau." He retorted without any bite too his words. He only raised a brow at her words.
"You have a point," she acknowledged, "But I am still three years older than you." She added haughtily, walking ahead of him slightly.
He seemed to ponder over this, "Indeed you are," Kukai agreed. "But age really isn't a measure of matureness is it? There are a lot of people who try to act older than they are. It's disconcerting really; to me it just looks like they are wasting their childhood."
Utau paused and Kukai was forced to stop too, seeing as how he was holding her hand. "It's because you are living an easy life. You wouldn't understand why we have to act like this," she said heatedly, letting go of his hand.
She raised her eyes to his face and found him smiling bitterly at her. "You're right. I suppose I never will. I was not born Royalty. I'm sorry for speaking out of line. I did not mean to offend you," he apologized softly. She had never seen such an expression of Kukai's face – she did not think him capable of such an expression.
It was such a sad expression that made her heart ache with guilt. "I'm sorry too," she blurted out. "I didn't mean to lose my temper like that." She hung her head and fully regretted her actions. She was even ashamed that she had said such hurtful words to him. She had uttered those words when it was she who did not understand him either.
Abruptly, it seemed as if something had rammed her forehead. Utau raised her head and found Kukai grinning mischievously at her, his hand outstretched. She swiftly realized the source of her pain; Kukai had flicked her forehead.
"I know the perfect place to take you now, much more interesting than my room," he said decisively. He suddenly grabbed her hand once more and pulled her to a definite direction. Before she could say something in reply, Kukai seemed to have read her thoughts and responded accordingly, "Don't worry so much. Friends argue and get into fights a lot but it is because they are friends, they can put it all aside and just enjoy the moment together."
Utau's heart was soothed by his words rapidly. She found herself, keeping pace with his rigorous strides and kept her gaze focused on his wide back. It was not like Ikuto's back – but as she kept her eye on the nape of his neck, on the curve of his shoulder and on the straightness of his back, Utau could not help but feel the masculine aura he exuded.
She closed her eyes and savoured the warmth of his hands. She imagined his warmth seeping through her skin, making its way to her heart and melting her frozen and immobile heart bit by bit, allowing it to beat once more.
-OoO-
When Ikuto heard her breathing fall into a steady rhythm, he knew Amu had truly fallen asleep. He slowly moved his hand and tenderly pushed away the hair covering her part of her lovely face. Her eyes were closed as he had expected but he could not help but imagine her bright golden eyes just moments before.
He closed his own eyes and recalled every expression she had shown him throughout their conversation. He mentally concluded that they were more honest and expressive compared to before. She had even offered him quite a few smiles. The thought of her concerned face moments ago brought a smile to his face.
He would never openly tell her that he had been jealous of the Little Prince.
She had asked him what had been the matter with him; she wanted to know why he was upset. Ikuto opened his eyes and gazed at the sleeping form of his supposed little brother – the boy who had sparked his jealousy just moments before.
He did not like it. He did not like the idea of her attention focused solely on the little Prince. To one such as him who had succeeded numerous times in forcefully monopolizing Hinamori Amu's attention, to have her giving it to another willingly – Ikuto felt it to be unacceptable.
He had dropped all of his work to intrude upon her private time with Tadase. When he had first heard the news from one of the servants, it had left a bad taste in his mouth and inexplicably led to his being drawn to her location.
He found her doing her task dutifully, even forsaking the chance to go on a vacation to care for the little prince. It vexed him to a degree, so much that he found himself gritting his teeth when he found her touching him with gentle and caring hands. He had remained silent as he watched them, not trusting his mouth to keep his inner feelings a secret.
He was not unaware of the displeased aura he was emitting – he just could not help it. It was just further spurned on by the constant contact between them initiated by Amu. Of course, Ikuto knew that if Tadase were awake he would not dare touch her himself but he could not help the feeling of jealousy bubbling in his chest.
When he could not take it anymore, he averted his gaze and stared resolutely at the floor. He gripped his arms painfully as if he was trying to prevent himself from doing something stupid. The spot at which his gaze was fixed on was suddenly covered by the familiar robe of the girl in front of him.
"Ikuto," she uttered his name with that soft voice of hers. He was tempted to raise his head but he did was not sure that he would not act impulsively if he saw her face now. So he chose to ignore her call for his attention.
In the next moment she murmured, "Please forgive me," just loud enough for him to hear. Warmth bloomed on both sides of his cheeks and his head was forced upwards. Ikuto's eyes were closed and his jaw was set, but he could help not but waver at the softness of her hands against skin and the feeling of her breath against his face.
She had uttered his name again, this time with a hint of exasperation. He resisted the urge to respond. She tried a few times to capture his attention unaware that she had already obtained most of it even before he had arrived here in Tadase's room.
What she was doing with him now, she would unhesitatingly do with others. That very fact irritated him greatly. That she would so willingly offer her hand to others spurned on his jealousy and anger. He was angry at her for being so dutiful and he was angry at himself for being so possessive of her attention. He did not like it when she paid attention to others – it was unsightly of him to be envious of a sick man but he could not help it. He wanted Amu to himself, it was as simple as that.
To see her with another man was intolerable but Ikuto knew full well that this was his fault. She was troubled by the traces of his inner demon when he should not have troubled her at all. She was trying to alleviate his mood but he would not comply out of stubbornness. He had no right to bear the title of royal heir if he could only bring trouble to one such as her.
Why must you be so, Amu? Ikuto asked bitterly, and why must you have such a hold on me at this time?
"Ikuto, tell me what's wrong," she said pleadingly, "Please."
At her genuine request, he could not deny her any longer. He gave a small sigh and slowly opened his eyes. He found the open concern in her eyes and decided to ignore it. "It's nothing," he managed to choke out in what sounded like a dismissive tone.
"Don't lie to me," she said firmly in a no nonsense tone. "You're upset about something are you not? Tell me. Maybe I can do something about it."
And once again, she willingly offers her service. I hate it, Ikuto thought. "A convenient offer," he muttered unknowingly. But I must decline, he continued mentally. Really, the truth was that only she could do something about his current emotional state. His agitation had not lessened even at her proximity. She was not having her usual effect on him today.
"What do you mean?" she asked him and he had realized that he had spoken part of his thoughts aloud. He felt her hands shift and slowly pull away from his skin. He impulsively placed his hands over them and pressed them more firmly against his face.
Without controlling his body, his turned his face sideways and pressed his lips against her palm. The feeling of her warmth against his lips was pleasant and it made him yearn for more. She tried to pull her hand away but he held it tightly.
Wholly against his expectations, she suddenly leaned closer to him and pressed her forehead against his own. She repeated her question but it did not register in his mind immediately. The only thing he could think about was how easily he could just kiss her right then – but he pushed back the urge with all his willpower. Thinking of the consequences of such an action in this situation.
He imagined her slapping him and storming out of the room. He imagined her stunned and left as a lifeless shell. She imagined her covering her mouth and moving away from him. Then he imagined her smiling and kissing him too – it was at that image that he laughed at the inappropriateness of it all. What was he thinking? Assaulting a 14 year old girl was inexcusable. He would not do such a thing but if he could not kiss her, he would settle for something else.
He let go of her hands and pulled her into a tight embrace. She tried to wriggle away but he only tightened his hold on her petite frame.
"Stay with me for a bit. You asked me what you could do, right? Allow me the privilege of embracing you, even just for now," he said gently, burying his face in her neck. She smelled wonderful; he did not detect any specific scent from perfume but her natural scent was that of fresh tea. It was refreshing and somewhat addicting in a sense. He continued to inhale her scent and after a while, he felt a small hand caressing his hair. Ikuto smiled against her hair and savoured the attention he was getting.
"W-will you tell me what's troubling you now?" she stuttered slightly and Ikuto resisted the urge to laugh. He breathed out and felt her shudder slightly. He grinned mischievously but decided not to do anything more than this; as tempted as he was to tease her, he dared not do anything that anger her greatly. He settled with pulling her closer to him, close enough for him to feel her heart beat against his chest.
It felt nice to have her close to him, the warmth she emitted felt like she had a fever but Ikuto knew it was because of the combined heat both of them were radiating. He pressed his hand against the space between her shoulder blades and realized all over again how small she really was.
"I'm just being a bit foolish. I'm sorry. I was upset with myself; it's not your fault." He finally chose to answer her question but he had answered without pulling away, not wanting to extricate himself from the sea of her fragrance.
"Are you telling the truth?" her voice was no louder than a whisper. She seemed to be concerned that Tadase would hear so he levelled his voice with her own.
"Not completely – but the rest is a secret." He could just say that he was jealous of the little prince – but that would just trouble and confuse her. So Ikuto chose to answer as close to the truth as possible but never the exact truth.
"Is it something I should know?"
"Not just yet. Maybe some time in the future, you yourself will ask about it." He replied cleverly, imagining her in the future asking him personal questions when he was finally ready to answer. He fervently wished that such a time would come to pass, when she would take the initiative to find out more about him.
"Will you provide me with an answer then?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on my mood." He answered ambiguously.
Soon enough, their conversation carried on in as a pleasant hum only interrupted by Tadase's needs occasionally. They had switched positions and chased many topics but in the end, he had remained in close proximity to her.
When he gazed once more at her sleeping face, he touched her lips with his fingers – then pressed his fingers against his own lips. He resisted the urge to kiss her for real once more. This will have to do for now, he thought to himself. He could not kiss her just yet – not until he could make Hinamori Amu fall deeply in love with him, not until she would want to kiss him as much as he wanted to kiss her right now.
Ikuto finally realized that he could not let go of her anymore. He had no intention of handing her to anyone either. His possessiveness grew stronger the more he stared at her and he knew it could not held back for much longer.
-OoO-
Utau was soon mesmerized by the sight that unfolded before her. She gazed down at the trees that spread out endlessly before her and relished the feeling of the wind whipping through her hair. Utau did not bother to try to rein in her stray locks; in fact, she even loosened the pins and knots in her hair by herself. Her hair now freely swayed and danced with the wind that rushed through her clothes and body.
She turned back and beamed at Kukai who was leaning against one of the wooden pillars that supported the tree house. He was gazing at her steadily, his arms crossed and his green eyes carrying a strange light within them. Seeing him look at her like that made her breath catch in her throat.
He silently came and stood beside her, gazing down at the endless expanse of green before him. She kept a firm grip on her hair, keeping most of it away from his figure. He grinned and turned to her, "Do you like my secret base?"
Utau smiled and nodded. "Did you build this yourself?"
Kukai shook his head. "Daichi helped me build it a long time ago. I think I was 8 years old then." He murmured wistfully.
Utau cocked her head to one side. "How were you able to build such a big tree house if you were only eight years old?" As if expecting this question, Kukai only smiled and simply said, "That's a secret."
"Are friends supposed to keep secrets from each other?" she asked purposely to persuade him to give her a proper answer.
"That tactic won't work on me. Everyone has one or two secrets they want to keep. If you're going to use that against me, you have to be willing to tell me everything you're hiding too, Utau." He replied cleverly and Utau found that she did not have a retort to that statement.
Kukai stretched out his hand and seemed to grasp something in the air. He then gave a sigh and smiled back to Utau with a dejected sigh. "Seems like it's impossible in this state."
"What is?"
"I can't do my tricks anymore. I wanted to show you something pretty. Maybe be next time," he said apologetically. Utau did not show it but she felt happy at the words 'maybe next time' – it was an assurance that they would meet again soon in the future.
"Shall I do my magic instead?" Utau offered with a coy smile. Kukai tilted his head to one side, "Magic, you say? Alright." He readily agreed, piqued by her choice of words.
"Close your eyes then and prepare to be amazed," she said confidently. Kukai readily obliged, he was still smiling pleasantly when Utau stood on her tiptoes and began to hum directly in Kukai's ears. He seemed shocked but he did not pull away.
Utau only whispered soft notes but she felt Kukai shuddering slightly. After a while though, he stopped shuddering and the tension left his body. He seemed to be wholly enjoying her private performance now. The notes she used expressed most of her secrets already but she knew Kukai would not be able to understand. The high notes were her memories of happiness while the low notes represented the great loneliness she endured without anyone to support her.
She pulled away and was surprised to find her vision blurry and full of rainbow colors. Kukai opened his eyes and turned to her. He gave a small smile and wiped away Utau's tears with the sleeve of his robe. When they showed no sign of stopping soon, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. Utau continued to cry as she pressed her face against his body.
"Let it out. Let it all out." He murmured as he patted her head gently. Instead of making her tears stop though, his words seemed to pull them from within her. All the tears she had kept for so long, he seemed to have drawn all of it out with those simple words and soft voice of his. When her tears had finally stopped, Kukai's robe was already soaked. She gave an embarrassed smile and just when she was about to apologize Kukai spoke before her.
"Thank you." He smiled at her and her chest constricted. What was this feeling of breathlessness that plagued her whenever she was with him?
"F-for what?" she asked, "I should be thanking you. For…for comforting me again." She added with a slight blush.
Kukai shook his head, "Thank you for sharing those parts of you with me. That song was made of pieces of your memories right? I could hear all of your emotions in your voice. You really have a wonderful voice. Your name suits you well." Utau was speechless.
He had seen right through her. Now what was she to do? She had given him a part of herself – then that meant…
"Now you have an obligation to give a part of yourself to me too." She blurted out, unwittingly. A blush immediately crept up her cheeks as she realized what she had said in the spur of the moment.
"Ah. Ahhh…I guess so," he pondered over it a bit. He closed his eyes and tapped his fingers against the wooden window both of them were facing.
She wanted to take back what she said but at the same time she wanted that little piece of him to herself. Kukai gave her so little of himself already, she would not pass up a chance to take a bit more of himself for the world.
"Alright," he announced, he suddenly turned to her who was watching him in anticipation. He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. The softness of his lips only lasted for a moment before he pulled back and gave a triumphant smile. Utau's brain was having a hard time trying to process what had just happened.
"Did…you just…k-kiss…me?" she asked stupidly and Kukai gave a sheepish smile. Utau did not fail to notice that he was blushing.
"I didn't know what else to give you…" he said apologetically, "So I gave you my first kiss." He added the last sentence hastily, turning away and avoiding her gaze as if he had just realize the absurdity of what he had done – which was to kiss the Royal Princess of Seiyo. Utau raised her hand to her lips and brushed it lightly with her fingers.
Not only that – he had also taken her first kiss in the process.
The blush made its way to her face hastily and she swiftly felt great heat on her cheeks.
"S-sorry. Now that I think about it. It was a stupid idea," Kukai said, still not looking at her.
"That was my first kiss too," the words had left her lips before she realized it. Kukai looked back at her in shock, his eyes wide as saucers.
"W-what?" he cried out and slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. "But Reiji – nevermind. I stole your first kiss that was supposedly for Reiji? This is bad." He seemed troubled by her revelation – but Utau could not help but note the blush on his face that had yet to disappear.
"It's unequal." She spoke suddenly in a firm tone, catching Kukai's attention.
"What?"
"This transaction is unequal. I gave you that song. You gave me your first kiss but you took my first kiss. You owe me one." She added the last sentence firmly.
"I-I guess so," Kukai agreed uncertainly.
"Then please keep this a secret between the two of us. Do not tell Reiji-dono." She spoke loud enough for him to hear her over the noisy gust of wind that passed between the two of them just then. He seemed to have been wholly taken aback by her request.
"But –" he began to protest.
Utau held his face in both of her hands and brought her own face closer to his. "Please." She breathed out directly onto his face and he seemed to have given up the idea of arguing with her just then.
He gave a sigh. "I understand. This will be a secret between the two of us. I will not tell a soul about what happened here in this tree house," he said, defeated. "The guilt will eat me up from inside but I guess I'll just have to endure it." He added a bit melodramatically.
She let go of his face and patted his head. "Good boy!"
Suddenly, he looked at her seriously. "Utau," he said her name softly.
"Yes?" she replied promptly.
"You…haven't forgotten our bet have you?"
Utau nodded swiftly. "Of course."
Kukai then gave a relieved smile and chuckled softly, "That's good."
"As long as Reiji is happy, he can be happy for the both of us." He murmured.
Utau saw Kukai touched the place on his chest where his heart rested. He closed his eyes and began humming the tune she had made up for him just moments before.
"W-wha? You remembered it?" she asked in stark astonishment.
"Of course I do. How could I forget such an entrancing melody?" He replied with a knowing smile, "I definitely will not forget." He added steadfastly, giving her his signature smile.
Utau's heart was aching painfully at that moment – hastily and furiously, as if her heart could not get enough blood through her system. She felt lightheaded but she knew she was not sick. It was almost as if she had a fever.
Utau held onto Kukai to steady herself.
"Whoa! Are you okay?" he asked, worry in his tone.
"Just give me a minute," Utau snuggled closer into his embrace once more.
When she pressed her face against his heart, she was surprised to find that it was beating just as erratically as her own.
-OoO-
Endnote: Long, long, long. And my beta couple had obviously reached father than my alpha couple. -.- anyway, the next chapter update is probably going to be in summer when I've finished my summer classes and not any time soon. I'm sorry if I can't update faster - I don't think I can write romance when I'm emotionally unstable as I am right now. Unrequited love is the pits, by the way. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. :)
And I won't be doing my crazy end notes since I'm pretty busy with school and depression right now. So yeah, later!