Chapter 13: On the other hand

Rui's POV

I picked up Tsukushi's cases and walked toward the exit. All I could think of was her return… I didn't care why; all that mattered was that she was back. A grin plastered my face, and this time I didn't even bother to hide it.

Shizuka's POV

I was left standing there with Akira and a battered Soujiro. What was that all about? Too many surprises for one day… First I see Tsukushi, and then find out almost all the f4 know her and then see Tsukasa actually having emotions for a girl. Wonders never cease.

I realise Akira is just about as clueless as I am if not more; Rui has left with her bags.

Wait a minute, her bags… not mine.

I see him fading away and my heart gets heavier with each step he takes.

He loves me doesn't he? Why should I worry…? But I do.

Akira's POV

I think that was a grin on Rui's face.

"Eyy! A lil' help here brother."

"Huh? Uh yeah…," I said helping Soujiro up.

"Thanks…" said Soujiro straightening his shirt.

"No prob… who was that brother?" I asked to satiate my curiosity.

"She's my best friend" said Soujiro and Shizuka at the same time.

"Let's find a place to talk," I said pointing towards the fan club.

"My place," said Soujiro with a certain finality in his voice and left the airport.

"His place it is… lets go Shizuka," I said picking up her cases and putting them on the cart.

Why the hell do girls always pack so much? Lugging case by case I put on a fake grin. This is hard work.

Soujiro's POV

I needed time and speed to clear my head. Had I really just held her in my arm just a few seconds ago? So surreal, one minute she was a distant memory that stood next to me everyday, the next she was there in my arms… lilacs, ring and all.

At the Nishikado mansion…

"Todou-san, Mimasaka-san….welcome, master is not back yet would you like to wait in the lounge?" asked the butler greeting the two visitors.

"I suppose-" began Akira.

"Who said I'm not back yet?" said a voice from behind the guests.

"Master… welcome home," said the butler bowing lowly.

"Bring lunch for three to my wing," said Soujiro taking off his coat.

"Immediately," said the butler scuttling off.

"Let's go to my wing…" said Soujiro leading the way through the twisting maze.

Seated comfortably with tea in hand, the three began their discussion on Tsukushi makino.

At the end of the conversation it was concluded that Soujiro was the first to know her then after her disappearance, Shizuka did at a launching ceremony… somewhere in between Rui and Tsukasa got to know her, and where in that span of time they would soon find out but first…

"Lunch is served," said the butler breaking the silence.

Rui on the other hand had arrived at his 'humble' abode and had forgone his favourite activity if you could call it such. He was way too excited to partake in such activities, so much so his servants almost died of shock seeing their jovial master sauntering the halls with a bounce in his steps.

By the time a black limo appeared at his doorstep, most of the excitement had oozed out… and his eyes had given in to the calling…

/dreamland/

Waking up to find the maid scuttling around was nothing new, clutching Hacco (teddy) the little boy walked through the throng of people. Why were the maids in funny uniforms today? Why are there flowers all over the place…?

Mama will explain all this… walking towards the antechamber the little boy pushed the heavy oak doors that he has grown accustomed to. But the picture that he was accustomed to was not the one that was being transmitted to his brain. Doctors and nurses rushed hurriedly around the room

"200…. Clear! 250… clear!"

Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

"300… clear!"

Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep PeeeeeeeP PeeeeeP PeeeeeeP

"Rui… I love you…"

PeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeP

/End of Dream/

Tsukushi's POV

I exited Tsukasa's home after he had fallen asleep; drawing the covers I left the room. In the stillness of the night I made my way to Rui's home to collect my belongings. Greeted by the butler I smiled and immediately they recognized the Makino crest on the limo… sceptically they led me to Rui. As we approached two doors, the butler opened it quietly and gestured me to enter and promptly closed the door behind me. Do I feel trapped? Nah… like real.

Then I look to my left and find the familiar figure lounging on the couch. I looked at my surroundings, it was a very azure feel… so peaceful, so Rui.

But today, the only item in the room that did not match was the perplexed look etched on his face. He was in deep sleep-

"Ma….ma……no…..ma….MA!" his incoherent ramblings became crystal clear omni mating through out the rooms, off the walls.

I rush to his side trying desperately to wake him up.

"Rui… Rui… wake up… it's a dream… wake up!" I said shaking him.

His eyes flew open, such fear I've never seen. He clung to me, like his life depended on it… confused as I am I just rubbed his back and hair trying my best to sooth his fears.

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