Happy belated New Year to my dear readers! As a gift (and apology), have some light fluff.
'Dark…'
Akemi's thought melded with the whispers of confusion.
The lights had winked out shortly after she and Atobe arrived. Saved for the foot of the marble staircase where the odd lanterns stood, emitting a weak orange glow, the rest of the ballroom was cloaked in darkness. Guests hovered around them like moths to a flame. It was causing quite a stir, the air around her seemed to crackle like static and the hair on the back of her hair prickled in response. They saw brief flashes of lightning behind the veiled windows, but otherwise the ballroom was trapped in the gloom.
'Was there a power cut?' "You seem rather calm about this," Akemi murmured to a blasé Atobe. "What's going on?"
"Patience," he gave a cryptic smirk. He leaned in and placed his mouth close to her ear. "Stay here and don't move around too much."
He was gone before the discombobulated girl could comprehend what happened.
Cold and surrounded by strangers, she sighed in exasperation and amused her mind with thoughts of a new year.
Perhaps surprisingly, she couldn't wait to get back to a routine despite the many drawbacks (waking up early, homework, dealing with the regulars and the likes). There was also her book. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of dread and anticipation, the emotions flurried sharply when she remembered –
Echoes of gasp startled Akemi from her thoughts.
Her eyes snapped up to the ceiling where a beam, fired from the spotlight, penetrated through the darkness and illuminated the marble staircase.
On the top landing, the Atobe family gathered in their magnificence. The babel gusting through the crowded died away as Mr Atobe took centre stage. He opened the gala with an eloquent speech. His wife looked on from the back, her cornflower eyes brimming with love and admiration. At her side, their son cut a fine figure. Tall, debonair and proud with his back poised, chin up and hands folded neatly behind. Atobe moved forward at the end of his father's speech to a round of applause.
'Come to think of it, donations from tonight will proceed to an animal welfare group. Isn't Keigo-san their patron?' Akemi recalled, as the young heir addressed his audience.
Cue an image of fluffy puppies and kittens attacking a well chuffed Atobe.
She slapped a hand over her mouth to stifle the giggles, earning weird looks from her neighbours.
She sobered up and sheepishly refocused on the speech.
"Humans have been striving to live alongside calamities since bygone eras and survived them, looking forward where a bright future isn't a distant dream." Atobe raised his champagne glass. "Our wishes, our ambitions for the New Year will light our paths. They'll shine brighter than any lightning storm for the world to see.
Behold!" His sonorous voice resonated across the ballroom. "Our hopes!"
Where darkness once prevailed, a splendid plum blossom tree stood on either side of the marble staircase, illuminated by the paper lanterns handing from their branches. One by one, more similar trees made their scattered appearance around the vast ballroom to the audiences' amazement. By the end of it, Akemi counted fifteen in total.
On the snap of his fingers, the chandeliers and other lightings roused from their dormancy. The guests erupted into cheers. Atobe easily found her amongst them from his vantage point.
Their eyes met.
'How did I do?' the blue ones asked, glowing enthusiasm.
Akemi grinned and hastened her claps. She was fanning his ego but 'I suppose he deserves it.' In his typical ostentatious manner, he flourished his arm and bowed in her direction. The cheers double and she giggled. 'He really is something else.'
XXX
The crowd had dispersed into smaller groups. Akemi paid no heed to their animated whispers or the music floating from the orchestra stand. She marvelled at the plum blossom tree while waiting for Atobe.
"Excuse me, miss."
Eh?
She wasn't quite alone as she'd though.
Three uniformed men stood behind her. Two grinned toothily; the other wrung his fingers. She took note of their crisp-ironed dress uniforms, the polished medals and winged badges proudly displayed on their chests. Members of Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the division Mr Atobe had served for a few years before taking up a permanent role in the family's business at his late father's behest.
"You look like you're by yourself, miss," the soldier with fairly-tanned complex and dark hair grinned. "Care to join us for drinks?"
Eh…
"Kosuke! Mine! This is a bad idea," their nervous friend blustered. His brown eyes flitted briefly to her. "We'll get into hot water if she gets the wrong impression."
The other one slapped his back hard, chortling. "This is a party, mate! Enjoy it while you can! Am I right, miss? So how about it?"
"Umm… I can't drink."
"Hahahah! We're not going to force you to down everything in one go."
Oh dear.
Misinterpreted.
"We just want a lovely girl's company." The tanned man shrugged, "You know, to pass the time?"
"Kosuke!"
"Oh geez, will you cut it out?" Mine moaned. "It's not like we're going to do anything…" he trailed off, spotting a prominent figure marching up to them with long and purposeful strides.
Atobe Keigo.
He came to a clean stop beside Akemi. He smiled pleasantly at the men, though neither smile nor pleasantry reached his eyes and voice. "Gentlemen, I couldn't help eavesdropping on your conversation. But I'm sorry to say that this one's taken." He slung an arm around her. "Pester another poor girl. Unless you'd prefer that I report to your superiors for offering alcohol to a minor, captains?"
"H-hold on! She's a minor?"
"We didn't know! Honest!"
"We wouldn't have asked have we known – or if she'd said something!"
Atobe's expression darkened, frost entering his midnight blue eyes. "Are you pining the blame on her to hide your pretentious ignorance, Captain Yamazaki Mine?"
The hapless captain looked at him in alarm. "No!"
The sensible officer stepped forward and bowed. "I sincerely apologise for causing such a disturbance, Atobe-san. Please accept our deepest apologies."
Atobe's face smoothened over. He smiled and waved a flippant hand, keeping the other firmly around Akemi's waist. "As long as this misunderstanding is resolved, I won't hold any grudges. However, if word got round that the two of you are stirring troubles in my estate." His good humour vanished. The visibly shaken captains stiffened under his gaze; the type that promised damnation should they dare revolt.
XXX
Atobe was inconsolable. "I leave you alone for one second and you attract the most indecorous flies. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"It's not my fault."
"You should have outright refused their advances."
"I did."
"You weren't aggressive enough," he fired back, irritated by her calmness.
"Keigo-san… are you jealous?"
Atobe froze on the spot, gaping at her as if she'd sprouted another head. "Jealous? Me?" He threw his head back and let out a petulant laugh. A conceited smirk tugged at his lips. "Have you forgotten who I am, idiot? Those three grownups back there, you saw them, cowering before me."
Akemi gave the pompous heir a look of utter exasperation, but wisely held back a retort.
They stopped behind a small crowd huddling around one of the plum blossom trees beside the staircase. Manservants on ladders were gradually adding ribbons to the tree, while maids distributed an assortment of coloured ribbons and assisted guests at booths.
A chestnut-haired maid approached them, carrying a lacquered box. "Young master. Akemi-sama. We've been waiting for you. Please choose a colour of your liking."
Akemi lifted a burgundy one to her probing eyes. "What am I supposed to do with this?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Atobe, clutching a midnight blue, motioned towards the booths. "You write down a wish and tie it on the plum blossom."
"Ehh… so this will aid me on world domination."
"I despair for civilization."
"Honestly though, this kind of fad is absurd." Akemi gestured to the tree. "Are we to believe that some sort of a fairy will swoop down from the tree – all sparkly and giggling – and grant our desires?"
Atobe made a noise of vexation, snatched her wrist and dragged her to an empty table. "Quit being a party pooper for Pete's sake. Why can't you be like everyone? See the fun side of it?"
"I'm merely stating a fact – but if you insist," she sighed in defeat, when he glared witheringly and thrusted a marker pen into her hand. She tapped the pen on her temple ruminatively, wondering what to write. She peeked over her neighbour, who wore this childlike glow around his chiselled face as he studiously scribbled down his wish. Feeling a tug of inspiration, she smiled and turned back to her ribbon.
Akemi froze.
Atobe was grinning like a Cheshire Cat with the cream over her shoulder.
"What, Keigo-san, are you doing?" she deadpanned.
"You wouldn't mind if I peek, right? You're a sceptic. Revealing your wish doesn't mean much to you, right?"
She exhaled. "…Keigo-san."
"Hmm?"
"You're a handsome beast."
The moment his expression went blank, his guard had slipped dangerously low. Using this opening, Akemi tossed the burgundy ribbon into the air. It flew up the tree before smacking into a branch where it became stuck. Precisely how she wanted. Out of reach.
Atobe turned to her.
She giggled. "Keigo-san looks cute when he's angry."
He snapped out of the daze and growled. "Don't get cocky with me. You've got some guts pulling that kind of stunt. Do you have a death wish? Because strangely enough, I'm here with an agenda. You hear?" Akemi was looking over his shoulder, fascinated by something behind him. "Listen to me when I'm –!"
His voice failed.
Oh no
Oh no, no, no, no. NO
Without a second thought, he cut the distance between them, pulled her close and studied her expression. He blanched at what he saw in her eyes… cluster of stars and planets swirling in a dark backdrop.
A galaxy.
His female admirers donned them like a flag of honour in his presence.
Atobe trailed the direction she eyed with his gaze.
Who?
Which mundane felon charmed his way into this misguided maiden's heart?
There. He found them. Uniformed flies swarming the bar, laughing and chattering over drinks. Why? They're obnoxious and rowdy, not exactly the type of people the girl would mix with. Hadn't she learn from earlier?
But what if…
Atobe cleared his throat, more to gather his wits, and turned to her. "Na, Akemi," he drawled. "It's rude to stare at strangers."
The noirette jerked with a start and flustered. She covered her cheeks in a vain effort to hide the scarlet tints. "W-what? I-I-I wasn't… I didn't meant to stare or anything."
"Really now?" He feigned dubiety, rubbing his chin. "Hmm… are you perchance, the type of idiot who falls for a man in uniform?"
Akemi reddened further. She turned away, fiddling her dress, and bashfully murmured, "Is it wrong?"
The sound of a woman's titter drifted over.
They looked up to see his parents arm in arm and strolling towards them.
"I can't blame her, Keigo." Mrs Atobe gave her husband a meaningful smile. "Many women feel this way. There's something about the uniform that makes a man look more dashing."
"The occasion doesn't require an ex-serviceman to wear one. It's disrespectful, especially when some of our guests are from the army," Mr Atobe smoothly countered with a hint of restraint, hinting that this wasn't the first time his wife raised the issue. His onyx eyes glinted behind his glasses when she pouted.
Mrs Atobe glided from his side to capture the unfortunate youngsters in a choking hug. She held them at arm's length. "Are you two enjoying yourself?"
"The party barely started, mother."
The redhead laughed off the grouchy remark. "Sounds like you haven't eaten. Go grab something warm from the buffet table; the kitchen has prepared your favourites. Don't hold back on your appetite, Akemi-chan. Go wild and have fun tonight," she winked; the noirette chuckled sheepishly. "And Keigo, your task is to reinforce that. One mistake and it's curfew for you."
"Mother!"
Mr Atobe cleared his throat, ceasing his wife's teasing. He stretched out a hand and smiled when Akemi took it for a handshake. "It's been a long time. Though I must apologise since it's my fault. You've been dropping by the manor several times and this is the first time we're meeting since the dinner back in summer."
"Nothing to apologise about. I visit during the day when you're out at work, Atobe-san. It's understandable," she beamed.
"That's reassuring," he smiled warmly. "I owe your father a lot back when we were in university. Despite what others think, he's a reliable person. It's just that his…"
"Dreadful humour he picked up from a kebab shop owner in Glasgow." She sighed dramatically. "He causes so much grief at home."
He laughed. "I'll send a car to your house as soon as weather permits." When she thanked him, he shook his head. "You have my thanks, Akemi-kun, for looking after my son this whole time. I hope he hasn't been a handful, especially on excursions around Tokyo. Sources tell me he gets easily excited."
Atobe was mortified. Was his ears deceiving him?
Akemi giggled. "On the contrary, it's always been the other way round." A heartfelt smile touched her curved lips. "You see, without Keigo-san, I'll be lost."
XXX
Mr Iwata, whose dark hair was peppered with old age, shook Atobe's hand. His humbling smile radiated respected for the young man. "It's good to see you strong and healthy, Atobe-kun. Your speech back there was truly inspiring."
"We're honoured to have such a great patron," his wife chipped in; her dimples etched deep in her features. "It's thanks to you that our shelter was saved from bankruptcy. We're forever indebted to you."
"As long as the shelter continue its wonderful work providing homes for strays and forsaken pets, and the volunteers work diligently, I am content."
"But we insist!"
"Let bygones, be bygones," Atobe politely asserted with a suave smile. "We were in an economic crisis last year. After all, the shelter gave me a fine dog many years ago. That makes us even."
"When you put it that way…" Mr Iwata begrudgingly relented. "Bless your kind heart."
"We respect your decision but it won't change our perspective," Mrs Iwata asserted. "We'll leave you be now. We seem to be getting in the way of your date."
"That's alright. I'll let her introduce herself. Oi, Akemi. Don't be rude," he added in a whisper, gently elbowing the timorous girl clinging to his arm. Akemi shifted uneasily on her feet. Suddenly, the tiles were interesting. "Come on. This isn't our agreement."
She hadn't the time to prepare a New Year gift for the Atobe family due to the sudden change of plans. In exchange for using the kitchen, she was to stay with him the whole time if they or someone approached them to talk.
She'd eagerly said yes without grasping the true notion.
Too late for regrets.
'Why am I making a big deal out of this? They're an ordinary couple.' Taking a deep breath for courage, Akemi withdrew her arm and bowed. "Good evening, Mr and Mrs Iwata. Umm…" she twiddled her thumbs, "I'm Akemi. Noda Akemi. Nice to meet you." She mustered a weak smile.
"Please to meet you too, dear," Mrs Iwata warmly greeted back. "When I look at you closer, you have a pair of beautiful eyes."
"Th-thank you! My mother gave them to me." 'Oh my goodness, what on earth am I saying!?' The couple, thankfully, saw the humour in it and chuckled good-naturedly with the flustered girl. Her face was heating up very badly, she swore people living halfway across the ocean noticed that bright red beacon on the horizon.
A hand rested on the small of her back.
"Akemi is the daughter of an old friend of my father's. Her father is a professor of mechatronics from Keio University…"
A wave of relief washed over Akemi. Atobe Keigo was a godsend, she thought as he soon enthralled the Iwata couple with a story of yesteryear. She briefly noted his hand that was on her back, still.
Both parties eventually parted ways.
"That was a cinch, wasn't it?" Atobe grinned, hands on hips.
Self-conscious, Akemi averted her eyes. "Make fun of me, why don't you."
XXX
Meeting the Iwata couple was only the beginning.
Unlike the Mr Cuthbert's charity event last Christmas, which was more informal, the New Year's gala had gathered together some of Japan's key figureheads from the government and political parties, the army's top brass, and directors from leading NGOs and business firms.
Feeling uncomfortable in their presence was one thing.
Being confused with someone's
daughter
sister
or cousin
was another matter.
The worst they could do was wrongfully mistake her for Atobe's significant other. While it was embarrassing and somewhat humorous at first, the novelty quickly wore off. She'd fended off envious statements and masked resentment, but the young heir would drop one word and the rest became history.
"Don't you get tired from all these?" a haggard Akemi asked over tea in the privacy of a lounge. "You always have to be diplomatic and cautious. One careless word or act can ruin everything; your reputation, business, family. People presume you'll live up to their expectations, but how much they're letting on are sincere? For a seventeen year old, that's quite overwhelming."
"I've been doing it for years, from the day I acknowledged the position bequeathed upon me on birth. It's the life I've ever known, and I'm pleased as it is. They don't bother me at all, honestly. I live according to my rules and beliefs while keeping an open mind," Atobe shrugged nonchalantly. "It helps."
She contemplated over his advice, stirring her tea absently. "Remember you once asked if I want to be a princess and I said no?" He nodded. "To be honest, I'd rather be a peasant slaving away at the field with the sun hitting my back than frolic behind walls. Not saying royalties are all that bad, but I love my freedom and privacy. Anyway… doesn't it get lonely on the throne sometimes?" she asked, almost to herself.
Atobe laughed as if she'd said a good joke. A great big grin tugged at his lips, accentuating his countenance of confidence and grandiose. "A king has followers at his fingertips and 'tis the bond forget with them that exhibits true kingship. He'd become a figure who inspires his loyal subjects. Therefore a king is never alone. And that is I." He briefly reconsidered her question. "Hmm… but I do get bored out of my mind if there's nothing to entertain. Does that answer your question?"
She wordlessly dropped her gaze to the tea in her grasp.
Puzzled, Atobe studied her pensively.
She seemed defeated, discomposed about something.
He cogitated on their conversations at length, sifted through memories, trying to make sense of the littlest things that might have escaped his notice. Minutes of sharing silence later, his fingers grasped around something in his mind.
"I see how it is," he muttered inaudibly, heaving a sigh. "Was it painful?"
Akemi glanced up. "Huh?"
Propping up an elbow on the armrest, Atobe casually rested his head against his hand and regarded her with a trace of disgruntlement between his eyes. "I know you, Akemi. When something catches your fascination, you're relentless until you've satisfied your curiosity – like, right now. You're reserved by nature, hiding your true feelings and thoughts. Couple that with nerves, we have a girl who shies away from hereness. It'd be better if people forget you're there and carry on with their business. Yet isolation brings grief."
Akemi hung her head, acutely aware of her glowing cheeks.
She remembered them.
The disquiet of her heart, the odd habit of blinking rapidly at times, the prickling sensation on her skin.
Whenever Atobe and his guests engaged in topics out of her scope, she understood little of their conversations. Agonising and awkward as it were, she bore through the torment with that thought in mind, smiling and nodding while everything went over her head. She felt left out, alone in a group, silenced by a conscious fear. If she break the façade, it'd ultimately look bad on him.
Nobody was aware of the pretence.
Neither was Atobe fooled.
He glared reprovingly across the table. "Geez, should I call that a stubborn or prudent act? Definitely solicitous."
"But…"
He sighed and looked her earnestly in the eyes. "You did well despite the odd hiccups, Akemi. So have more confidence in yourself."
"I must admit it had been an interesting experience." Akemi tried not to glow at his praise, but the effort was futile. "I learned a few things from listening too!"
Atobe gave a lopsided grin. "There you go. Open mind."
She giggled.
With fluid grace, he rose from his seat and strolled confidently past the table to help her to her feet. "Just remember, pay no heed to those around you; listen to your inner voice and you'll be fine. I'm always here so don't be afraid. But anyway, don't let your guard down yet. The night is still young, milady." He sent a come-hither look, receiving an eye-roll. His mischievous smile faded from his face, though his smile remained. "And Akemi."
She peered into his eyes.
Beautiful blue eyes, the mysterious colour of the abyssal oceans.
"Loneliness cripples even the best of us; there's no black or white. I mean it." He patted her hand that rested on the crook of his arm. A tiny, but comforting gesture. "Why do you think you're here tonight?"
XXX
Was he pushing her too hard?
Despite the outpour of ebullient sound, Atobe couldn't stop checking up on her, trying to discern the tiniest change in her facial expression. Difficult, given the way she was smiling at him during the whole dance and his eyes would wander to her glossy lips.
Dusty rose complemented her pale skin well.
"You know, Keigo-san," Akemi piped up, unknowingly broken through his traitorous thoughts, "I've been thinking about today and what you've said. Perhaps it's best if mama and papa stay at home. I can't imagine driving in this kind of weather. Even if the storm stops, the roads are littered with debris." Her smile grew rueful. "I overlooked their safety because of my selfish desires. I was afraid of being alone in a strange environment, a party filled with dignitaries. But then you were there. You're here. And it makes everything more bearable." She let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Ain't I silly? To allow fear eclipse my rational thoughts?"
Atobe hesitated. "Idiot."
Her smile didn't waver.
On their fifth dance, he was adamant that their presence was no longer required, much to her befuddlement. He ignored the looks from the couples dancing around them. "No time to explain." He snaked an around her waist. "Come on, let's get out of here. Lift your skirt off the floor."
With an obstinate hold, he led them through the swaying mass.
Akemi was battling inside to make sense out of this change in direction. "Why all the sudden? It's not like you to back out like this." As soon as they were out of the way, she brought down her heels and turned around, her eyes wide with genuine worry. "Are you ill, Keigo-san? Do you want to lie down somewhere?"
"No. Well… wow this is unexpectedly troublesome," he chuckled to himself, scratching the back of his neck. It was such a rare display of abashment that only augmented her concern.
His usual brand of hubris resurfaced.
He smirked, grasping the clueless girl's shoulders. "Or would you rather?"
The dancefloor and its couples swung back into view.
Umm…
…correction
Dancefloor, lovey-dovey couples and a… a singer?
Crooning into his microphone at the front of the orchestra stage; Tony Bennett's Stranger in Paradise; couples rocking gently on their feet, arms enfolding one another in an intimate hold. Some with their foreheads touching. A few whose heads rested on their partners' shoulders. Dreamy smiles. Starry-eyed.
"Oh my…" With a teasing lilt, Akemi said, "Maybe another time."
XXX
Upon entering the music room, their light-hearted banters ceased.
Akemi felt her mouth dropped, vaguely acknowledging the door closing behind her and Atobe walking past. She marvelled at the vast collection of music scores and reference books on the rosewood shelves stuffed into the walls. Mementos, certificates and trophies glistened inside a glass cabinet. A grand piano – the music room's centrepiece – stood in front of a smouldering hearth and a sofa set.
Her eyes were drawn to another instrument leaning against its wooden stand.
A humble cello.
"Does anyone in your family play?" asked Akemi, her fingers skimming the ornate scroll's edges.
"My father." Atobe peered through a gap between the sheer curtains, behind which stood a pair of glass doors leading to the balcony. He couldn't see anything, but the distinctive sound of rain pounding the balcony told him everything he needed. He turned away, letting the curtains fall from his grasp. "He started with violin at age six, actually. When he could handle the cello's weight on his own, he converted after one trial lesson and had since became a devote cellist." He shrugged. "Mother prefers listening."
"And you play the piano."
"Want to give it a try?"
Her smile was bittersweet. "I haven't touched a piano in years."
"No problem. I can teach you."
Akemi chuckled sheepishly. "Thanks for the offer. But tonight I'd like to hear a song or two from Keigo-san."
"Ohh?" He raised an eyebrow. "Is that an order?"
"Last time, I played the guitar at your behest," she pointed out. "Now's your chance to return the favour."
"Favour? What's this cock-and-bull tale? I promised nothing." Hands clasped neatly behind him, Atobe strolled towards a phone as if he'd all the time in the world. "Since you've graciously asked though, I'll… acquiesce in your request. Meanwhile, I'll get the kitchen to prepare us hot drinks."
Akemi lit up with delight. "That sounds spiffing!" she trilled, quickly settling in an armchair that sat beside a crackling heart.
He put down the receiver at the end of the brief call. He turned around, loosening his bowtie. "Any requests? Favourite songs? I don't mind venturing away from classics. I know a few jazz."
"Oh I'm fine with anything. Pick a song you love, Keigo-san," she smiled. "No music is more beautiful than one borne out from liberty."
"Perhaps you're right."
"Perhaps? I am affron –!" She broke off with an astonished cry, throwing out her arms on reflex, when a rustling black blur sailed angrily towards her. It slapped into her fleshy shield and landed as a messy pile on her lap.
She peered down…
…to find a tailcoat.
Ignoring the indignant look from the simmering noirette and chuckling smugly, Atobe lifted fallboard and lowered himself onto the bench. His fingers hovered over the keys, bent at the joints and spread out. He inhaled deeply, timing himself, and dipped his fingers into the ivories.
Akemi's breath caught in her throat; the buzzing cloud of angry bees scattered.
Her eyes widened – not in recognition of the song but at the tender, mellifluous notes flowing from the grand piano. She stared at the poised figure on the bench, watching the raw emotions playing on his face, the muscles rippling beneath the white sleeves. How could a person of his build possess the capacity for creating such gentle melody?
A stab of awareness sent a jolt through her body.
Akemi sheepishly leaned back in the armchair, pressing the tailcoat to her stomach. Her cheeks were warm from something else apart from the fire. Thank goodness Atobe was engrossed in his music to witness. She sighed in relief; the knots congesting her stomach untwisted.
With Chopin's Etude Opus 25 No 2 plucking at her heartstrings, her heart responded with glee and sang along.
She closed her eyes.
She was tip-toeing through universes and galaxies, exploring different worlds. A travelling merchant from a poor village, a ship's captain lost in the midst of a vicious storm. The key changed and she became a mythical goddess – then, queen of darkness…
…cold and empty.
Voices drifted in.
She opened her eyes groggily and blinked. 'Oh, the music stopped.' With that realisation, came gnawing disappointment. She shook her head and glanced to the doorway, catching sight of the kitchen maid in the corridor before the door obscured her view.
Easing into the armchair opposite hers, Atobe motioned towards the mugs on the coffee table between them. "Best drink the hot chocolate while it's fresh."
Akemi happily obliged. They sank into comfortable silence, savouring the luscious texture and flavour of cocoa. The Hyotei captain kept finding himself staring over his mug at his blissfully oblivious companion. She looked happy to be alive, it was alarmingly easy to forget about the dysphoria that had debilitated her in the day.
His mind wandered…
…to a balmy, summer night.
At a glance, the girl was easy on the eyes with her modesty and timid smile. He'd hinted it but the favour wasn't duly returned. She didn't fall for his charm, wasn't swept off her feet like the countless females before her, and her candid display of nescience astounded and infuriated the heir.
She had nevertheless carved a lasting impression that left him intrigued.
Left him wanting more.
Her sense of humour, wit, stubborn disposition, unpredictability…
Akemi was on her feet, eyes locked on the curtains and unaware that a different pair of eyes were staring at her. "Does it not seem… quieter?" she muttered. Before he'd form an intelligible thought, she had moved across the room, pulled the curtains open and peered through the windows. "I think it's stopped raining."
A recomposed Atobe joined her. "Nah, definitely drizzle."
"There's only one way to find out."
"Oi!"
A blast of cold draught swirled into the music room through the doors she opened, drowning out his shouts with the cacophony of fluttering curtains and loose papers. The girl lifted her eyes heavenwards. Dense clouds swabbed the night sky, cloaking the stars and moon behind. She held out a hand, palm facing up for several seconds. Not a spot of rain.
She beamed in triumph, fighting back the shivers. "See? Told you so."
"Great," he grunted. "Now would you be so kind as to shut the damn door – Akemi!"
"Don't worry. I'll be careful."
Squelching and clicking of footfalls punctured every caution, as the girl braved the nippy night. She crossed the weakly-lit balcony, keeping a tight hold on the skirt despite her aching arms. She wouldn't dream of getting the beautiful dress wet.
Hot on her trails, a pair of brogues clacked angrily.
Atobe grimaced when he accidentally stepped on a large puddle, spitting water over his good shoes. He swore under his breath and briefly wondered if he should take a leaf out of the noirette's book, but decided that was silly and carried on with longer strides. He towered over her smaller frame in two steps. "What were you thinking, waltzing out here to your death?" he scolded. "At least put something on, you're shivering!"
Akemi raised an eyebrow at the irony. "You're wearing nothing more than a waistcoat and tunic, my dear friend."
He was defiant.
The girl stood very still in quiet defeat, as the tailcoat was draped over her quivering shoulders. She smiled in gratitude and cast her eyes over the balustrade.
The balcony overlooked the baroque fountain and the gardens surrounding its courtyard, and had a clear view of the dazzling ballroom behind the massive gothic-inspired windows. Keeping the veils shut were no longer necessary with the storm's passing, so that the light from the ballroom bathed the flagstones in warm shades.
Akemi inhaled the crisp, fresh air. There was a distinctive smell of moistened earth and musky cologne. The latter dominated her senses, she became lost in its heady scent, unaware that the skirt had slipped from her grasps. It was too late when she realised.
"Our fathers are good friends, aren't they?"
Atobe nodded, his deep blue eyes taking in the night view.
"Strange how we never once crossed path in old Britannia or when you returned to visit her." It was an old topic they're familiar with. Akemi continued, picking at a lock of raven hair framing her bosom. "I often wondered how life would be if we've known each other earlier." Her smile was wistful. "It took halfway across the world but I'm glad to have known you, Keigo-san." She met his inquiring gaze unwaveringly. "Though I have to admit, I was wary at first. You're not exactly the kind of person I'd acquaint myself with – but look at me now."
Atobe's expression softened.
Mutual sentiment.
There were voids in their hearts they never knew existed until the two friends met, crawled into them and nestled there. It wasn't a secret that they're fond of each other; just that they never admitted it aloud to the other person.
Her smile grew warmer, showing off the rosy tints on her cheeks. "You've taken care of me, lent me strength in your unique way. Always. How can I ever repay you?"
Atobe blinked, speechless at her heartfelt words. Her eyes, darkened in the night, were dark ambers in the low lighting of the balcony and hid nothing in their enigmatic depths. Except respect and warmth resounded. Her dusty rose lips enraptured his gaze once more.
He blinked.
An image of a mountain surfaced.
Lake.
Snow.
Children laughing.
Demure grin.
A shrill whistle pierced through his thoughts, shortly followed by booms and crackles.
The sound of Akemi gasping jerked Atobe back to the balcony. He glanced up in time to see a ball of flare slicing the atmosphere in half, before it exploded into sparks of gold and purple and sizzled away. Cheers erupted from the revellers below, oohing and aahing, while others belted out songs of praise. More were spilling out from the ballroom and onto the courtyard.
The two friends exchanged glances and broke into grins.
"Happy New Year, Keigo-san!" Akemi chirruped.
"Happy New Year, bumbling idiot." Atobe poked her forehead and she giggled. He frowned. "Akemi… about earlier."
"Yes?"
Atobe hesitated for a moment and set his jaw with resolve. "When term starts, we'll resume our excursions in earnest. Theme parks, museums, shopping malls, theatres – you name it. I'll take you to the park when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. We can venture into the mountains, if you like. I bet you do. Then we can go –"
"Keigo-san, you're talking as if one of us is going to die," she cut in. She grasped his arms reassuringly. "Of course, we will see each other. Every week."
But doubts plagued his mind.
He knew once school started, the girl would be anxious with preparations. She'd once confided in him; she wished to study abroad on scholarship and already had her eyes set on a couple of boarding schools in Britain. Her voice had been thick with the exhilaration of adventure and new possibility when she spoke on the phone.
Like before, he had many mixed feelings.
There was a despicable, selfish part of Atobe urging him to discourage her from such ambitious thoughts.
We can explore other cities apart from Tokyo, it tantalised and plunged him in dream-like visuals of them sailing the waters off the Okinawa Islands and he'd laugh at her moaning about the sweltering summer heat; take a train ride on the picturesque Hakone Tozan Line when the hydrangeas bloomed. He wanted to teach her German because she'd love poring over his massive collection of old literature and poetry, he was sure. They could discuss current affairs over tea.
More than anything…
…he wanted her to stay.
"Promise?"
Akemi grinned. "Cross my heart."
XXX
The orchestra were halfway through a rousing rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony when Akemi heard a strange noise and glanced warily over her shoulder. Something between a moan and grunt came from the music room. It was extremely faint, especially with the exuberant atmosphere, but there was definitely a sound.
She strained her eyes in the gloom and spotted a silhouette lumbering on its feet inside.
She heard a voice of a man muttering a slurry of garbled words.
Drunk most likely and…
Her heart jumped.
…heading towards the balcony.
She tugged on Atobe's sleeve, cutting his cheerful humming, and pointed out the potential danger in the distance.
One glance and he was shoving her behind his back, almost crushing her smaller figure between the balustrade and his stalwart build. "Stay back. And don't make a sound," he hissed.
Akemi nodded and clutched onto the back of his vest.
They waited with bated breath, praying that the weak lighting hid them from the drunk man's vision as he staggered out into the cold. He hurled obscenities at the temperature, winter and everything that went wrong in his life.
Matsuda Yuuji…
Atobe narrowed his eyes in recognition.
The inebriated politician tottered to a halt and took a long swig from the battle of whisky which was filched from the bar. He was old and decrepit with his comb-over tousled in the wind and wrinkled face flushed. His suit was rumpled in several places. He either didn't noticed or couldn't care less about the frothy liquid splashing onto his front.
He let out a raspy sigh and clumsily dried his mouth on the back of his hand. "… that woman… she'll regret it… traitor… they'll p-pay… I swear…" he mumbled, staggering to the balustrade – thankfully, the adjacent end – and sneered at the spectators below. More obscenities followed.
Atobe's mind raced.
Under normal circumstances, he'd confront Matsuda for this indecent behaviour… but Akemi was present. Her body was tense pressed against his. She could take down people twice her size, but the unpredictability of people under strong influence of alcohols – like the politician blathering gibberish – unsettled her.
His phone and watch, specifically designed for this kind of prickly situation, were left on the grand piano. The noirette's too, somewhere.
Cursing their bad luck, Atobe took stock of their surroundings. They could creep along the edge in the other direction, take cover in the patches of shadows, while the man had his back on them. He'd alert security once safely out the music room. If things turned ugly… there's enough room for them to throw caution to the winds and take off.
But how could he communicate his plan without giving themselves away?
The air stirred again.
With passion.
Akemi latched her hands onto the bulbous skirt blowing around her legs. Heart hammering against her ribs, she hoped the drunk man took no notice of the noise but felt Atobe stiffened too soon.
That could only mean their cover was blown.
"Herh? Who goes there?"
There was a pause, and to her horror, the sound of unsteady footsteps approaching.
It stopped moments later, too close for her liking.
"Oh, a lad. Whatcha doing in a place like this, kiddo?"
Akemi felt the Hyotei captain's body briefly tensed and relaxed. The old man couldn't recognise him, but that wouldn't save them either. She closed her eyes. 'Please don't do anything stupid.'
Atobe took a deep breath and schooled his features, mindful not to come across intimidating. The last thing he needed was provoking a drunk. "Matsuda-san, you seem to be having a little difficulty with walking there. You must be tired from all this excitement. Shall I call your chauffeur to bring the car round?"
The politician appeared insulted despite his caution. "And go where? Home?" He spat on the rain-soaked floor. "And find that wench in bed with another man!?"
"We can put you in a hotel for the night."
Matsuda threw his head back, roaring with laughter.
It was an unpleasant sound of a broken man. There were some instances when he was choking back a sob and ended up throwing fits of cough. He paused to regain his breath, and for a few tense moments, looked as if he might walk away judging by the weary sigh.
Atobe stoically remained on guard as the man took a few steps back. The knot in his stomach began to loosen… only to snap back when the watery eyes shifted down and widened with amusement.
"You wearing a skirt, boy? Are you one of them loonies – no… no…"
"Matsuda-san. Please –"
"Oho! My, oh my. Dear boy, how sly of you," Matsuda cackled, licking his lips. His head was craned to the left where he had the perfect view of Akemi peering apprehensively back from behind Atobe's staunch figure. His mouth twisted into a lecherous sneer. "Care to introduce your wife, sonny?"
"She's not my wife," Atobe replied through gritted teeth. He was loosening patience with that sick man.
"An affair! Was that what you lovebirds were doing in the dark? Playing rough?"
"We're not married, or to anyone for that matter!" Akemi retorted over his sordid insinuation, glaring over Atobe's shoulder now that it's pointless to hide.
"Really?" He weighed in their words. "Then it's decided. I'll take her."
Atobe reached behind him, found one of her hands and squeezed it in warning. She was bristling. He focused on the man; his expression and voice were calm but his eyes… dark with loathing. "Matsuda-san, I suggest you refrain from making a scene and leave this instance."
The old man's face crumpled, casting more lines over his sorrow-stricken feature. "My wife's been seeing other men behind my back; no doubt slept in our bed with all of them." Ire dissipated from his face, but there was still resentment when he spoke again. "That foul vixen stung and lied to me all these years, and now she's leaving me?" he chuckled hollowly. "How about it, miss? Help an old man comfort his broken heart."
"Over my dead body," the girl growled.
"Shush, Akemi."
"Don't you shush me!" she snapped back.
"You're making it worse," Atobe snarled.
"Are you deaf? You heard what he wants from me!"
"Yes! But this isn't time for an argument!"
"Feisty. My dear soon-to-be ex-wife is strongly opinionated," Matsuda leered; the disturbing glint in his eyes caused the two youngsters to break up from their bickering. "Move aside, boy. I'll take care of things here. It's for your own good. You'll thank me."
There was no warning.
Atobe lunged forward, pulling Akemi along and the startling the old man.
Matsuda spun around when they ran by him and immediately regretted it. He clutched his head with a croaked moan on the back of his throat. His feet scuffed the ground as they wrestled against gravity. He swore at the boy.
The Hyotei captain veered sharply to the side, drawing Akemi into a protective embrace in time as a whisky bottle whizzed through the air, inches from his face. There was a tell-tale sound of shattering glass and the chequered tiles swooped up to meet them.
The rough landing knocked the breath out of him. He opened his eyes to stars dancing mockingly in his vision. Hands scrabbling the puddle-riddled ground for leverage, he scrambled onto his elbows and shook his head clear. He glanced down where Akemi laid between his arms which'd cushioned the impact. "Are you alright?"
She nodded weakly, not trusting herself to speak.
"Good." Hastily getting to his feet, he scooped up a protesting Akemi like a bride. "Sit tight. We're making a run for it."
Akemi looked up and her heart froze over.
She couldn't scream his name even as Matsuda, wielding a shard of his whisky bottled in one bloodied hand, stalked towards his back.
Her voice had died in her throat.
There was only ringing in her ears.
XXX
"Oh, this… an angel? A beautiful one at that holding my hand. I must be in heaven."
Akemi shot him a soft look of exasperation, but there was great relief. She picked up her head to address the people assembled in the music room. "He's fine, if he has the energy for flirting. Can you please inform the doctor, Michael?"
"Right away."
There was a flurry of sounds as the butler set out to find their family doctor.
Head propped against the pillow, an amused Atobe languidly raised an eyebrow despite the perplexity of his situation. Here he was lounging in the sofa, Akemi on a chair beside him, his bandaged left hand resting comfortably on her lap. "Is this how you treat a patient? Where's that TLC moments ago, huh?"
"Keigo."
He hadn't noticed his parents by the fireplace, but the stern voice of his father didn't startle him.
"Akemi-kun, here, was the one who extracted the glass and treated your cut before Kubo-sensei arrived. You can thank her but not with your attitude."
Atobe, studying his half-bandaged hand with morbid interest, seemed unfazed by his father's admonishment. "So I see. Were there stitches?"
"The glass was mercifully small; the cut not too deep either," his mother replied before swallowing him in a hug. "Oh, my baby. My precious, precious pumpkin," she cooed.
"I had worse injuries, mother," he snorted softly and hugged her back. He tolerated the humiliation. He couldn't remember the last time his mother had looked so distraught. "It was only a small cut. I can manage."
Mr Atobe laid a hand on his wife's back. "Honoka, it's time to go. Akemi-kun needs to continue and there are guests downstairs wondering where the hosts went. You can mollycoddle Keigo to your heart's content afterwards."
She hesitated.
"Go, mum," their son urged, slipping to the more endearing term without realising. "I'll be fine with Akemi."
The girl shot him a grateful look before turning to Mrs Atobe. "I'll look after him to the best of my ability. Please rest assure, Honoka-san."
"Alright. You three win," the redhead chuckled sadly, stole another quick hug and a kiss from her son. "Come down when you're both feeling better. Absolutely no rush. If you don't wish to join, we understand," she smiled.
"Thank you."
"No, Akemi." Mrs Atobe embraced the girl. "Thank you. You truly are an angel."
Akemi was abashed. "It's no big deal."
Silence settled over the room once Mr and Mrs Atobe left.
Neither spoke as Akemi worked on the bandaging, watched by an intrigued Atobe from the comfort of his sofa. Eight minutes passed before she proclaimed that she'd done.
The Hyotei captain turned his hand here and there. "You're very good at it."
"I have fifty boys under my watch," she chuckled. "They attract cuts and bruises like bees are to honey. Yanagi-san taught me the basic, but I'm not confident enough to respond in an emergency situation." Her brown eyes shone with excitement as she cleaned up the area. "So I'm signing up for first aid course when term starts. It'll be a valuable skill."
He regarded her solemnly. "And what about you?"
Akemi paused and glanced at him in puzzlement.
He grimaced at the dried splotches of blood on her dress despite those were clearly his. "Were you hurt?"
That did it.
All those questions he'd bottled inside finally burst out.
Akemi was patient with him, waiting for the moment he couldn't recall what happened after Michael arrived before taking over.
She covered his bandaged hand and smiled soothingly. "Here, you better drink up." She passed him the glass of water which he eagerly accepted. She spoke again when he'd taken a gulp. "You're right. We were lucky. Michael chose the right time to check on us. He stopped Matsuda when he was about to… to hurt you. The guards apprehended him and sent him away. Not to his home though. I've warned them about his resentment over his wife. Anyway, your parents didn't want the police involved.
Kubo-sensei said you'll be fine after a good rest. He's a good person; he wouldn't leave me alone until he gave me a quick check-up," she chuckled sheepishly. "I collected a few bruises from the fall; nothing serious that time won't heal. As for you… you fainted from the sight of your blood. You had a sliver of glass sticking out from your hand and it was bleeding heavily," she reminded, easing the blow to his dignity. She exhaled wearily. "I ought to castigate you, Keigo-san."
That was unexpected.
"You!" she exploded, prodding his chest; her voice heavy with accusation. "You could've easily hurt yourself trying to be a hero and look where that got you!"
Atobe gawked.
"If Michael hadn't stopped him in time, he could have…" Unable to continue, she looked away with a mixture of anguish and frustration. "I won't forgive myself if something regrettable happened. I should've warned you that it's inane talking sense to him. Get us away quick, or deliver a blow that'd render him temporarily unconscious." Her shoulders slumped. "If I hadn't been there –"
"No," Atobe interjected, brusquely. "You being at the party – at my house has nothing to do with it, you hear? Absolutely not. Stop taking the blame for something that's out of your control!"
"Only if you promise not to do anything reckless like that again."
"You know that's impossible."
Akemi smiled wanly. "Precisely."
"We're not arguing," he asserted exasperatedly, rubbing the spot between his eyes. Lifting his back off, he put away the glass and extended his good hand. "For Pete's sake, don't make it harder for me," he moaned when all she'd do was stare.
Akemi studied his features. The strong jawline that many women found attractive; his trimmed eyebrows furrowed in a glower; that mole he affectionately called charm point; those gorgeous deep blue eyes that'd penetrate and consume a soul.
Determination resonated in them.
But it was the subtle signs of discomfiture in his posture that eventually shed light on his tacit plea.
Akemi snuggled up beside him, surprised at her own boldness. "I'm serious, Keigo-san," she sighed. "I don't know what to do if –"
"If. If. If. So many ifs, you can build mountains and still have surplus for a castle."
An irrepressible giggled escaped her.
Arms wrapped around her, Atobe pulled her closer and felt her body beginning to relax against his. He ran his fingers through her soft hair. "Better?"
Akemi practically melted under his touch. The unhurried motion was gentle and consoling; doubts, regrets and self-deprecating thoughts – the unshedded tears – all vanished. She closed her eyes, burying her nose in his wondrous scent and warmth, and nodded.
"Good."
Silence slipped between them, the ticking clock on the mantelpiece and their even breathing filling the emptiness. Resting on his back again, he continued his treatment and broke once from his reverie when she stirred slightly. She wasn't asleep though.
He smirked in amusement, resting his head on top of hers. 'She'd purr up a storm if she's a cat.'
Ironically, he didn't feel like getting up at all.
He watched fire danced behind the iron grating.
Keigo, you're a growing man, his grandmother's words whispered in his ears. Soon, you'll be in the final year of high school and off to university. Whatever happens, dear, don't ever lose sight of yourself and what is important during these tiring times. Or else you'll be haunted forever. Nana swears those strong emotions can leave a nasty bite.
That night, he made a pact with her wisdom.
XXX
"You should wear blue more often, Akemi. Dark shades. Suits you perfectly well." Atobe wiggled his brows, earning a playful shove on the back.
They had returned to their respective bedrooms to freshen up and exchange their clothes for something drier. There's no difference between what he was wearing, except for the silk gloves which he used to hide the bandages. He wasn't bothered, as it "Gives my dashing appearance the final touch."
"Admit it. It's fate; we're meant for each other. Me with my alluring eyes and your midnight blue dress."
Akemi sighed at his theatrics. "Gosh, you're worse than ever. I think that antiseptic went to your head." They stopped at the mezzanine's balustrade. "I'm glad you're wearing a tailcoat again. Thought I lost my indifferent Pingu," she quipped.
"Only for you."
"Oh stop it."
She pointedly turned away from the sniggering and glanced down at the afterparty. The atmosphere felt more relaxed with half the revellers having gone home after the fireworks – she and Atobe were miffed that they'd missed the grand finale because of Matsuda – and the jaded ones who remained lingered for a few drinks.
She searched the faces amongst the crowd, momentarily forgotten that Atobe was watching.
"Your parents are –"
"At home, I know," Akemi smiled. "They texted me awhile back, wished me Happy New Year. My parents sent their blessing to you and your family, by the way. I've accepted that they won't show up, but I guess I was hoping for a horrible surprise. I'm not too worried."
Atobe was reassured. He ran his good hand through his dark and held it out to her. "Shall we head down for drinks then, milady?"
"How can I say no?" she giggled.
XXX
At the bottom of the stairs, a young man looked up. He had freckles on his nose, chocolate brown hair and forest green eyes. He was the same age as the young couple – Atobe Keigo easily identified – descending the marble staircase.
He stared at the raven-haired girl with growing wonder.
"Cammy?"
The laughter ceased and the girl glanced over.
"… Joel?"
This whole chapter was rewritten which mostly accounts for the late update. Possibly only 30% of the original survived. I do apologise. If you can't remember who Joel is, he was basically someone who betrayed Akemi once. Please refer back to chapter 29.
A quick note: Atobe's speech about kings was inspired from Fate/Zero's Rider... and Rikkal will be returning next chapter.
Thanks for the support!