The late and hot afternoon sun was beating down on Setsu as she stood by the busy side walk outside the Shibuya station. Wiping the sweat off her eyebrows she squinted up at her brother. Cain looked indifferent and composed as he towered over the surrounding pedestrians.
Dressed in a cotton black long sleeved shirt that was unbuttoned midway down his chest, and fell loosely over black leather pants, he looked very much the intimidating gothic bystander. His waves of long brown hair framed the sides of his high cheek bones before spilling freely to right above his broad shoulders, making him look handsomely rugged.
His stern and hard set features although were cold and aloof, were still very precariously alluring. This made him irresistible to several of the females in the packed city as he attracted their attention.
Kyoko tried to ignore the curious glances that they gave him. She was determined to watch what she said and did around him today. The last thing she wanted was to invite more of his sexual charm. Remembering that the emperor of the night was the true man behind the actor playing Setsu's brother was important.
Even while in disguise as Cain Heel, Tsuruga Ren was still devastatingly sexy. His sensual appeal was made more so by the sense of danger that he currently exuded. But at the moment, even that dangerous vibe of his was not able to keep the herd of people from knocking into them while they stood surrounded by the late afternoon crowd.
Setsu felt mobbed as she clung tightly to her brother's arm in the heavily congested intersection. Buzzing with overly eager shoppers, students that were haphazardly dressed in their uniforms, cozy couples and tired office workers, the popular Shibuya shopping district was alive with activity.
Together standing side by side with Cain, Setsu really felt like a foreigner in the over populated city. Wishing that she could be anywhere else rather than in the obnoxiously overcrowded street, she took a wry step out of the way from the oncoming rush of subway commuters but inadvertently into the pathway of a middle aged shopper.
Setsu grimaced as the lady elbowed her in the flank. She kept a look of cool disdain when the shopper bowed slightly in apology. Inside Kyoko was screaming at her own carelessness and was mentally begging for the woman's forgiveness for her own rudeness.
Sorry madam, but at the moment I must not lose to this urge, Kyoko murmured under her breath. She frowned slightly at her own folly.
Cain noticed her displeasure at being bumped by a frenzied middle aged woman that was overloaded with shopping bags. Feeling an overwhelming sense of protectiveness towards her, he began to usher her towards a less crowded corner. He could feel the tension in her fingertips as they clenched tightly over his arm.
Gently, he rested a large hand over hers as he wedged himself through the sea of people. As person after person bumped and pushed past them, Cain decided he had enough of the hectic city. It was time to get out of this place.
Ignoring the taxi stand across the street, he stretched out his arm to hail a taxi. A yellow vehicle pulled up to the curb beside them immediately and Cain smiled as he tucked Setsu into the car.
Passively allowing herself to be led into the taxi Setsu relaxed against the cushioned seats as her brother gave the taxi driver directions. She let out a small sigh of relief that she was no longer in the overcrowded street.
Able to read her thoughts, Cain leaned back heavily into his seat and smiled, "I got tired of that toxic environment too."
Nodding in agreement Setsu replied, "Tokyo can get really busy during the commuting hours."
"Yes, for such a small county, they have an enormous amount of congestion." His eyes smiled warmly at hers. The color in her face was returning and Cain relaxed beside her.
"And Japanese people may be small in stature but collectively they can still stampede over you if you don't watch where you're going," Setsu added quite miffed, while she rubbed her left side.
"Did you get hurt?" Cain asked as he leaned over her to investigate her injury. His large hands drifted lightly over her tight fitting corset. Reaching over to her left side where her zipper laid, he began to pull upwards to release the ends.
Kyoko watched in stunned horror as Setsu's brother partially unzipped her outfit and brazenly exposed her left flank. What does he think he's doing? Her mind screamed out in fear.
Doesn't he know that doing such a thing to any Japanese maiden is unacceptable? Her Japanese maiden protection party asked in anger. Marching around with a banner across her chest, the imaginative figure was protesting loudly in her mind.
Wait, I'm not supposed to be Japanese now. That's right! I'm Setsu, the wild younger sister of the rebel Cain Heel. So in this case it is completely acceptable for him to do such things to me. In fact, as Setsu, I should be welcoming his attentions.
Kyoko was internally grumbling at the twisted nature of Setsu. But not wanting to break from her character, she decided to persist in her acting. She forced herself to hold still, while he touched the small bruise that was present.
Didn't I already warn you Setsuka-san to be careful of what you say and do while you are in the presence of this man! Now you have no other choice but to endure! Kyoko's inner conscience berated harshly at her.
But sucking in her breath, she was unable to tolerate his gentle caress over her sensitive skin any longer. His touch left a tingling sensation over her delicate skin and she was beginning to break into a cold sweat.
Gritting her teeth tightly together, Kyoko was fast approaching her limit. Her eyes were getting dazed over but she reminded herself to remain composed.
Your face! Your face! Don't let him see your nervous face! Her inner voice prompted her. Quickly, she wiped at the beads of sweat on her face and tried to relax her jaw. This was not the time to lose to her fears.
With a concerned expression, Cain raised his dark head up to hers and asked, "Does it hurt?"
Glad that he had stopped caressing her, Setsu exhaled in relief.
"It hurts just a little," she pouted prettily. Taking the zipper in her shaky hands, she zipped her corset closed. Trying not to seem too uneasy over his closeness, she slowly inched away from him while pretending to be mad.
"It would have been better had we just stayed closer to our hotel." Setsu added with a look of frustration. Her eyes narrowed, as she looked out the window of the taxi and watched the busy traffic of people that were passing by.
Internally, she was relieved that Cain was finally not touching her any longer. How much longer will she have to keep up this charade? She wondered as she fixed her eyes on the images outside the taxi. Deliberately avoiding Cain's eyes, she hoped that the rest of the day would go smoothly. But her hopes were dashed by Cain's heart stopping question.
"I thought you said you wanted to see Tokyo. Would you rather head back to our hotel?" Cain teased as he tried to bring back a smile to his younger sister's face.
"No! I mean that's not what I'm trying to say." Blushing gorgeously, Setsu rephrased her comment, "I do want to see Tokyo. But just not with all those people rubbing up against me." She wrapped her arms around herself as if to emphasize her statement.
Wanting to draw her protectively into his arms, Ren wondered if she minded if Cain was rubbed up against her. Deciding to be bolder since she had recently taken the initiative to make this date with him, he asked, "Does that include me?"
Kyoko's Japanese maiden protection party began to reform in her mind and she mentally went into a state of alert. She noticed a flicker of light flash across his silvery gaze and immediately thought of his emperor of the night look.
Had she invoked that seducer of Japanese maiden? Was he asking because he was thinking about doing something?
An image of him laying half naked on top of her flashed across her mind. In the background of her subconscious, she could hear the loud wind blow across her face as she faced the numerous thugs waiting for her to fall to her death.
Her heart started pounding violently in her chest. She was beginning to feel like she had become a tasty morsel that he was about to devour. Although on the outside she was able to peel her lips back into a sensual smile, on the inside, her mouth had dropped to the ground.
Tell him to keep a circumference of fifty feet away from you! Her Japanese maiden protection party yelled.
But ignoring the warning of her inner conscience and the loud drumming of her racing heart, she steadily replied, "Didn't I already once say, we should get a lock and chain so that I could stay by your side?"
Laughing throatily, Cain laid a casual arm over her shoulder and pulled her closer to his side. "So you did say!" he replied as he dropped his lips over her temple and placed a soft kiss.
His warm mouth barely glazed over her soft skin but Kyoko felt his touch to the bottom of her depths, and something in her began to shatter. Like a crack in a mirror, Kyoko felt herself come undone by his kiss.
Kyoko's soul left her body and floated above her. She could see Setsu maintain control over her body and wondered at it in amazement. Burying her small happy face into the wall of Cain's chest, Setsu sat comfortably beside Cain. All the while Cain stroked lovingly at her hair.
How am I doing this? Although I have heard that this is possible in dreams, this is something incredible! This must mean I have a special ability too. As an actress, skills like sewing and cooking won't impress anyone, so maybe I should practice this. Kyoko began to become serious as she contemplated this strange phenomenon.
Thoughts of self-preservation temporarily vanished to be replaced by her new found ability. But her soul was quickly pulled back into her body by the time the taxi came to a stop.
It was a short ride before the car pulled up outside Tokyo's famous Shinto Shrine. The austere yet tranquil temple was a welcome distraction. Stepping out of the taxi, Setsu was led by Cain towards the Shrine.
"It's beautiful," Setsu exclaimed. She hadn't thought that they would be coming to such a lovely location and the atmosphere here brought back some of her cheer.
Wide eyed with excitement, she followed Cain while they entered the grounds. She didn't even mind that they had continued to hold hands. Her mind was fixed on the splendor and majestic wonder of her environment.
"Yes," Cain stated as he watched the warm glow of Setsu's eyes brighten up. He was fascinated at how sensual yet refreshingly innocent she could appear. Reaching a tender hand towards her face, he stoked her smooth skin.
Her cheeks heated up as she replied, "I mean this place is beautiful."
Glancing around to survey the area, Cain nodded. "Yes, it's beautiful too. I've always wanted to come here."
"How did you learn of this place?" Setsu asked, while she searched his handsome face.
Cain drew his eyebrows into a slight frown but quickly looked away. "I remember watching a movie that had been shot here once," Cain answered evasively. His jaw was clenched tightly and Setsu noticed how tensed he had become.
She cast him a speculative look but sensing his reluctance to talk about it, she chose to change the subject. "So how was your photo-shot?"
"It was the longest two hours of my life," Cain answered huskily, while he turned his head back to gaze lovingly at her.
Cain was delighted that she was beginning to enjoy herself. He was even more delighted that she had allowed him to continue to hold her hand. This person that was staring up at him was an unparalleled actress that was as talented as she was stunning.
How he desperately wanted to tell her everything that was in his heart right now. But as he had once discussed with Yashiro how she probably has not healed from all those deep wounds that she had suffered in the past, he was unwilling to rush her.
He also recognized that despite her brave act as Setsu, Kyoko would probably just run away like a frightened rabbit, if he confessed his true feelings to her. He left it up to Cain to disclose the secret yearnings of his heart to her instead. But with enough practice, will she perhaps one day be prepared for the real thing?
Ren hoped so, as he searched her face for any future indication. Her only response to his subtle probing was to flick the hair off her shoulder and return his open stare with a flirtatious look of her own.
"Poor Nii-san, could it be that you missed me?" Setsu, soft voice vibrated with sensuality as she asked her brother.
Cain's eyes trailed down the full length of her. Dressed in a tight leather corset and a black miniskirt that had a disconcerting slit up the right thigh, Setsu was every inch the dangerous seductress.
She was exuding so much damn sensuality, right down to her calf high black leather boots, that Cain wished he had thought to bring a jacket to cover her up in. Dismissing her scanty outfit, he sought to address her inciting question instead.
"Damn right. It doesn't matter what I am doing, unless you are there by my side, I am constantly thinking of you," Cain stated as he possessively began to gather her closer to his side.
Setsu prepared herself to be wrapped in his embrace but his actions were stymied when they noticed that they were no longer alone. A sudden crowd started through the court yard that had drawn their attention.
Adorned in a formal white kimono and hood, a bride was escorted through towards the temple. Beside her, was a tall and skinny man that was robed in a formal black kimono, indicating that he was her groom.
Together, they walked under a bright red parasol that was led by a Miko maiden and one of the temple's priests. Formally dressed guests followed behind the wedding couple as the made their way past Cain and Setsu.
Setsu watched in silence as they disappeared into the shrine for the San-san-kudo ceremony. A wistful smile curved her lips upwards and she let out a small sigh as she turned away from the procession.
Traditional Shinto style wedding ceremonies were a common occurrence while Kyoko was working at the Fuwa ryokan. There was a time when Kyoko used to love to help in the arduous preparations of these events.
There was a time when she yearned for her own wedding. Mentally shaking herself out of her gloom, Kyoko kept the indifferent appearance of Setsu as she looked up at her brother who had been studying her features.
Cain did not miss the subtle change in Setsu's mood. His eyes narrowed in as he asked, "What's with the sigh?"
Trying to cover up her slip, Setsu searched for a plausible excuse. Hastily she replied, "It's because getting married always makes me depressed"
"And why is that such a depressing thought?" Cain asked. An eyebrow was lifted in disbelief as he stared intensely at her flushed upturned face.
Forcing herself not to waver, while she returned his gaze, Setsu stated, "Don't you already understand? As your sister, it's something I'll never want to do. Since I can't marry you, then what's the point?"
"So are you saying that you'd rather remain single and continue to be by my side then to ever marry another man?" Cain asked her as he searched her eyes for clues to what she may be thinking.
Finding it easier to continue with the fabrication, Setsu threw her hands up in a pretense of frustration.
"How can you still ask me something like that? It would be impossible for me to ever want any other man besides you. Have you already forgotten that you are my number one most important person?" she asked with feeling, while her eyes remained fixed on his.
Cain's eyes darkened as her words sunk in. But he remained quiet while she waited patiently for his response. Thinking that her words lacked conviction, Kyoko decided to increase the potency of her portrayal.
To add more meaning to her act, she reached up and placed a light kiss on his strong cheek. Her lips lingered slightly over his hard cheek. Slowly she drew away. A faint stain of her lipstick remained on his cheek and she smiled with pleasure at the rich hue.
Touching the spot, she rubbed lightly at where she had kissed. "Looks like I left another kiss mark on you."
Withdrawing her hand slowly away from his face, Cain held onto it tightly as he replied, "Leave it, I like it when you mark me. It's like showing the world that I am yours."
Kyoko couldn't help herself; she had always envisioned Cain and Setsu's relationship to be filled with a sense of mystery as well as a sense of tragedy. Theirs was a love that was forbidden and unattainable. Like star crossed lovers that were destined to remain apart. She felt the need to portray this in her acting.
"Are you are really mine?" Setsu asked unabashed and deliberately. An unexplainable flicker lit up her eyes as she smiled sadly at her brother. With her other hand, she stroked gently at his other cheek, while she felt his jaw tense up.
Tightening his hold on her small hand, Cain resolutely stated, "Never doubt that Setsu. I only want to be yours. There is no one else out there for me but you." His voice was soft but his words rang clear. His eyes glowed with an inner fire as he pierced though her with his potent silvery gaze.
But Setsu laughed bitterly and shook her head miserably as she noticed the healthy glow of his skin. Her hands stilled on his warm face, while she softly replied, "It's impossible for us Cain."
Briefly, Kyoko wondered if Shoutaro would be jealous of Tsuruga-san's flawless skin as it was by far smoother and did not have a trace of any open pores. In fact, anyone would be jealous of this man's skin. How was he able to keep it so soft and smooth? Was this genetic? She wondered.
She would have loved to continue to touch his smooth skin but she wanted to place the proper emphasis on her acting by responding despondently. Lifting up a pair of unhappy eyes to his, Setsu allowed her gaze to search his handsome face.
As if on cue, Cain responded, "It doesn't matter to me even if it's not God's will or destiny. Because I will only remain as yours, even if I must go against God."
"Then you understand how I feel about weddings because of what they symbolize?" Setsu asked as she finally made her point. Turning to walk away from him, she was stopped by a firm hand on her wrist.
Intending to get his point across, Cain held firm to another point of view. "Yes but I don't think you need to feel that way about weddings. They're just formal ceremonies but what really matters is the marriage. It's how you can tell if two people are keeping true to their vows of love." Cain said huskily while his heated look held hers steady.
Not wanting to give in to his direction, Setsu met his stare with a challenge of her own. Jutting a stubborn chin out, she asked, "What about us then? How can I tell that you will keep true to your vow that you will be only mine?"
"How would you like me to prove this to you?" Cain asked slightly frustrated that she was disbelieving his sincerity.
With every ounce of his being, he wanted to imprint himself to her. To find a way to prove to her that he was never going to break his vow to her. The muscles in his jaw were clenched tightly as he slowed his breathing to match hers.
Why was this girl having such an effect on him? He wondered, while he waited for her reply.
Thinking that the sincerity of his words indicated that her point was finally coming across, Setsu continued to further provoke him, "You see Nii-san, I am only your cute little sister and despite your strong vow, there can be no real way to prove your vow."
"Is that a challenge Setsu?" Cain asked as he began to rub gently at her wrist with his thumb.
There was no way he would allow her to continue to belittle his love for her. Even if it meant going against his own morals and showing her clearly what she meant to him. He would do so.
Although he had initially wanted to keep his sister innocent of his carnal ways, he could barely get his point across if she remained oblivious to his true nature. Cain ran his thumb over the palm of her hand in a gentle and suggestive caress.
Setsu was becoming distracted by his small caress. The muscles in her hand were beginning to constrict from the intensity of Cain's melting touch. She could almost feel an emotional charge run up her arm from the warmth of his hand.
Could he feel her pulse rate beating as it raced wildly beneath his thumb? Kyoko wondered as she fought the urge not to pull her wrist free from his grip. Her cheeks heated up from the idea.
Slowly, he began to pull her closer to him. Slowly, she felt herself drawn into his magnetic gaze. Lifting the back of her hand to his, he entwined his long fingers through hers and led her small finger tips to his sensual lips.
"Shall I seal myself to you then?" he asked, before her bit gently at the tip of her index finger.
A scene from Dark Moon between Katsuki and Mizuki flashed before her eyes but Kyoko was powerless to do anything. She began to panic internally. All reasoning left her and even if she wanted to, she was unable to move. Paralyzed under the heated regard of the emperor of the night, she stood stiff and rigid.
Without even knowing what was transpiring around her, she felt herself being led towards a parked taxi. Like a lamb being led to the slaughter, she was passive. Entering the taxi and remaining docile throughout the ride, she hardly knew what was going on.
It wasn't until the car jerked to a halt that she became conscious of what was happening. She was seated beside Cain when the interruption jarred her back to reality. "Wait Cain, where are we going?" Setsu's voice registered her apprehension.
Giving her a look of unadulterated lusty seduction, Cain whispered into her ears, "I'm going to seal myself to you."
His tone was deep and husky against her ears and his promise brought a bright red flush to her cheek. The fine hairs on her neck stood on end as she felt his breath up against her neck, while he leaned closer to her. A short moment later, he gathered her up into his arms.
Setsu gasped as she felt Cain lift her up into his arms and draw her out of the taxi.
Eh? Setsuka-san, haven't I already warned you about watching what you say to Cain?! Kyoko's inner conscience screamed at her. Seconds later, Kyoko's mind went blank as her mind exploded loudly with panic.
A/N: Hi everybody, hope you are enjoying this story so far.
Sorry about my tardy update, I have a tendonitis in my left wrist and am now typing with only one hand. It means I have more typos and have to spend more time editing. I will try to keep updating at least on a weekly bases.
Thank you again for all your reviews. I continue to look forward to hearing from you but will probably not be replying since my typing is somewhat impaired.