Chapter 11: Familiarity

Tsukushi's POV

I looked up from my hug with Shizuka to see a boy kneeling in front of my violin… I went towards it, securing the case; I saw a pool of tears coming from the boy in front of me.

He looks up at he and immediately I recognize those eyes.

Rui's POV

Trying to control my tears came to no avail, it was further aggravated when I saw the familiar eyes, those orbs, clear brown with red streaks. My body turned numb… and all I could do was let out a small squeak

"Tsukushi?"

"Mmmmhmm" she smiled trying to control her tears too.

She recognizes me…. A wave of relief came over me… she recognizes me… she does.

Instinctually I hugged her, know what?

It felt the exact same way it felt 15 years ago. Magical.

Soujiro's POV

I move towards the action just to see what was going on. Apparently a reunion was going on; Shizuka lost her composure for once and Rui his cool air. This person had to be amazing, apparently because Tsukasa the female hater had this indescribable expression on his face. Akira and I looked at each other with the same question on our minds, "who is this?"

We walked up to the crime scene and peered over. I couldn't believe what I saw…. Why did this woman have that ring?

/Flashback/

I was sitting there listening to her play her violin looking so immersed, so unaware of the surroundings… it was a different kind of silence. I smiled, closed my eyes and leaned back until…

twang

"Ouch" cried Tsukushi cradling her finger.

Immediately I rushed over and took charge of the situation.

"Ouch… be gentle" she said wincing as I took her finger to have a better look. As a reflex action I put it into my mouth. I saw the puzzled look into her eyes and just smiled.

"Here all better," I said taking her finger out of my mouth.

"Eww… dirty saliva…" she replied staring in mock disgust then smiled as she stood up and walked to the bathroom.

When she came back I had already re strung her violin for her.

"Oh… thanks Jirou," she said as she realized what I had done.

"Welcome… nice plaster," I said referring to the paw print one she had on.

"Hmm… I guess…" she said mumbling under her breath

"What? "

"Nothing it's just that today daddy left for US again…. He's going to miss my birthday party, then now the violin he gave me has a broken string." She said looking down as slow tears came drizzling down her face.

I picked up the stranded string and twirled it into a circle. Once I was done, I waved it in front of her. She took it and gave me eyes that said all.

"It's for you to remember. Remember all bad things have a good side to it, it's what you make of it that matters," I smiled gently at her and she said it all with a warm hug.

"You always know what to do don't you."

/End of Flashback/

If only my beloved… if only I knew what to do now that you are right here within my grasp.

"Soujiro, you kay?" asked Akira concernedly

"I guess. Would you be if you saw a ghost of 15 years past?"

Just then I felt smooth fingers on my arm…

"Jirou-chan…"

Akira's POV

I could feel all hell was about to break loose as I heard this woman call Soujiro 'Jirou-chan'

But to my surprise it didn't

No POV

A bewildered Soujiro was taken by surprise as he heard a sound he thought was long lost. As he turned around he saw her with tears in her eyes…

"Now what did I say about crying…" he took her hands in his and raised them to his lips.

Then he held her never wanting to let go. Smelling the sweet scent of lilacs in her hair he smiled at the familiarity of this moment…

"Hey break it up dude… introduce me to this chic that you all seem to know." Said Akira spoiling the moment.

As they broke apart and regained their composure,

"Hello, I'm Makino Tsukushi. Pleased to make your acquaintance," said Tsukushi holding her hand out.

"Resident charmer, Mimasaka Akira who is equally pleased to meet you" said Akira as he bent down to kiss her hand.

Suddenly a deep growl was heard.

"Don't worry he's always like that…that's-" said Akira putting his arm casually on her shoulder.

"Keep your paws off her. Lets go." Said Tsukasa pulling Tsukushi along.

"Tsukasa you're hurting me…" said Tsukushi trying to release herself from his death grip.

Just then Rui stopped in front of them and said, "Let her go."

"Mind your own damn business," said Tsukasa.

"Let her go Tsukasa." Said Soujiro joining Rui.

"I said-" wham "damn I've wanted to do that for the longest time" said Soujiro.

Then a fight broke out. Before anyone could stop them Tsukasa and Soujiro were in a horrid mess.

"Stop. Jirou…. Stop."

Then when he did, Tsukushi went over and slapped him.

"I expected more of you," then went over to Tsukasa.

"Let's go…" she said helping him up. "Rui."

"Yes..."

"Take my things to your place, I'll be over later."

"Mmm… I'll be looking forward to that."

Then the wounded Doumyouji and angry Makino left the airport in his Lamborghini, towards the Doumyouji mansion.

Tsukasa's POV

I didn't know that Soujiro could pack such a mean punch. How did he know Tsukushi? How did Rui know her? Too many questions going through my throbbing brain. I see her speeding through the roads of downtown Tokyo. Though I'm hurt physically, her scent, her anxiousness heal all. Sitting in the passenger seat I black out.