…hahahHAHAHAHAHAH I'M THE WORST PERSON IN THE HISTORY OF EVER. Over a year. Wow that's pretty bad. Okay, I have no justification. I had part of this chapter written for months, but I just got lazy and never finished. I suck. I'm the worst person. Just…
Ack, just read the story. If anyone is still around (I seriously hope you guys are ;_;), I hope you enjoy. I'm actually fairly proud of how this came out. Fujisaki drama is always super exciting. You probably want to reread older chapters. I don't know. But I'm so incredibly sorry. Thank you so much for sticking with me, and I promise I will cease to disappoint. Now that I passed that year-long Writer's Block (which yes, was a large contributor), I can probably update faster now. But anyway, enjoy!
"You have a high legacy to fulfill, Nagihiko-San." The five-year-old boy looked up at his aunt, his head cocked up to the side. "You are the heir of the Fujisaki Family. Do you know what that means?"
"Mother says that I am going to lead the family one day," He told his aunt, a fake proud smile forming. "I must advance my dancing studies in order to—"
"That's not the important stuff. Who cares about those outdated traditions made by our old ancestors?" She rolled her eyes, kneeling down so that she was eye-level with the little boy. "You're going to inherit the Fujisaki fortune one day. You're going to be a rich little boy. Just because your mother happened to conveniently meet up with some random—"
"That's enough. Young Master, with me." Nagihiko's honey golden eyes glanced up at Baaya. He nodded slowly, turning around and walking away. He did not notice the fierce glare his housekeeper directed toward his aunt.
"This is your Uncle Daisuke."
Nagihiko's apparent uncle smirked inwardly, his honey-golden eyes studying his identical ones. Nagihiko turned to his mother, an expression of puzzlement present. He suddenly had a million questions for her. Temari and Rhythm exchanged alarmed expressions.
"It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, my nephew," He mused, his words flowing into each other. The teenager turned back to his uncle, his expression stoic. He had nothing he wished to say to the man in front of him: he had made Nagihiko question his existence and feel utmost sadness. And for what? He wasn't even Nagihiko's father.
"Would you like some tea, Young Master?" Baaya wondered suddenly, her voice interrupting Nagihiko's thoughts.
"I'm good," Nagihiko told her, his eyes fixed on his uncle.
"The kid's got a sharp gaze like you, Natsumi," His uncle laughed callously. "I sure see the resemblance." Nagihiko's mother didn't crack a smile.
"You said you hoped to speak with Nagihiko-San?" She wondered.
"I wanted to give him some man-to-man advice. It seems hardly likely he gets a lot of that, considering his upbringing."
"I am merely following the Fujisaki traditions," Nagihiko's mother defended. "As the heir of the Fujisaki Clan, Nagihiko is expected to be well-versed in all aspects of our family's tradition." Expected. Nagihiko knew that word all too well. "Dancing is the core value of our culture; for the heir not to partake would be deplorable." Daisuke rolled his eyes.
"Like all of that means shit."
"Excuse me?"
"Being the heir is simply about money. These bullshit traditions surrounding it are just concealing the ultimate value. Your son is going to be loaded, and his cross-dressing abilities have nothing to do with it." Nagihiko gritted his teeth. When Rima called him cross-dresser, it never bothered him—in fact, it amused him—but suddenly, that word contained venom.
"Then why are you here?" Nagihiko's mother wondered, frowning. "If all you're going to do is try to lecture me about money—"
"It's fucking messed up!" Daisuke slammed his fist on the table, prompting Nagihiko's mother to flinch. "Just because some random man knocked you up while my wife couldn't get pregnant, doesn't mean that suddenly you deserve all the money." Her eyes flashed.
"Aruto was not some random man!" Nagihiko gasped. Baaya gave him a concerned glance. "This is what it's about. You just want the Fujisaki fortune. You are a disgrace to the Fujisaki Clan. You disregard the sacred traditions. Nagihiko-San is the heir, and that is final."
"If you're talking tradition, then why didn't you have an arranged marriage? Why did you meet up with this beloved Aruto?"
"Get out," Nagihiko's mother demanded. A smug expression formed on Daisuke's face. "I said, get out and wipe that grin off your face."
"Whatever you say." As Daisuke went to the door, he paused for a moment. "You know, you're right too. I did want that money—I do want that money." He turned to face Nagihiko, smirking slightly. "Having you convinced that your mother got drunk at a bar and had you really did a number on you. I thought I may have actually gotten you to kill yourself."
"You wanted me to—"
"The money would have gone straight to me. But, seeing as your mother harbors such loathe toward me, I doubt she'd allow that to happen anymore. Without further ado, I bid you farewell." Daisuke exited the Fujisaki Manor, the slam of the front door echoing through the manor. Nagihiko couldn't think straight. His uncle wanted Nagihiko to kill himself, he wanted the money, Aruto…
"Mother…" Nagihiko turned to the petrified woman. She was staring at the ground, clutching the bottom of her kimono. "Who is Aruto?"
"That's enough," She mumbled.
"He's my father. You never told me anything about him. You—"
"That's enough!" She repeated, louder this time. Nagihiko glanced at Baaya for a moment, whose eyes were fixated on the ground. He turned around, heading toward his bedroom. He sat down at his desk, burying his head into his arms. His father really was Aruto Tsukiyomi. But who was he? Why did his mother seem so hesitant?
"Everything is going to be okay," Temari tried to reassure. "You just have to stay strong, Nagihiko. Things are complicated now, but I know that it will all make sense in the end."
"I need answers…" Nagihiko mumbled. "Mother won't tell me anything. I…I need to..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He knew exactly who he needed to call.
"Ikuto…you were right," Nagihiko whispered, as Ikuto picked up the phone. "That man I met was merely my uncle…" The harsh words spoken by his uncle echoed in his mind, but he could distinctly recall the passion exhibited by his mother when speaking of Aruto.
"I suppose that makes us half-brothers for certain," Ikuto muttered.
"I need to learn the truth," Nagihiko demanded, his thoughts racing. He could not think straight; his emotions were being dictated by his desire to learn, to unravel the truth about his father. Curiosity killed the cat they say, and currently, the cat drove him to curiosity.
"He's in London right now, as I mentioned," Ikuto explained. Nagihiko could make out relief in his voice. "The flights are a bit expensive, but-"
"I have the money," Nagihiko interjected. "I need to go. If he's my father…I-I need… I have to find out the truth; I want… I…"
"Nagihiko, calm down." It wasn't until Ikuto's calming voice that it dawned on Nagihiko that he was crying. Tears were cascading down his cheeks rapidly and there was no way he could stop them. Nagihiko sniffled, quite embarrassed by himself. For someone who was normally gifted at concealing his emotions, he had been crying a lot in front of people. "I understand your curiosity; it drove me for fifteen years. I know it's overwhelming…"
"I have to learn… It is better that way, isn't it? To find out the truth?" Nagihiko murmured, reassuring himself. Flying to London was the only way; his mother wouldn't tell him anything.
"You won't be alone," Ikuto reassured, kindness lining his words. "I'll be there, I promise." Nagihiko smiled weakly. "I want answers as desperately as you do, and I believe you being there will be provide a lot for both of us."
"Thank you, Ikuto…" Nagihiko whispered.
"Of course. I have to go now, but text me the details of your flight. I'll pick you up." Nagihiko nodded, hanging up with Ikuto. He looked at his laptop, and absentmindedly typed in information for flights to London.
"Are you sure you should fly down?" Temari wondered. "It's—"
"Reckless, I know," Nagihiko murmured, the tears still fresh. "But I have to…" He looked up at his charas morosely. "I've lived a life shrouded in lies for too long now; I finally want to understand truth." His charas exchanged glances, as Nagihiko turned back to his computer screen. He saw many flights available, a few of which were leaving tomorrow and the day after.
"That soon?" Rhythm wondered, surprised as Nagihiko clicked one of the flights leaving the next day.
"He could leave London," Nagihiko murmured. "Evidently, he isn't the type to stick around in one place for too long." Ignoring the price, he moved his mouse over the button that said book flight. He hesitated, staring at the green button for what seemed like eras.
"Shouldn't you ask your mother?" Temari wondered.
"She'll say no," Nagihiko muttered. "I…I just have to leave…" Yet, his longing eyes stared at the button, frozen in spot.
"Nagi, I know I'm an advocate for doing without thinking, but shouldn't you think about this a bit more?" Rhythm wondered, concerned. "You don't know what'll happen. You can't just leave your mother and Baaya and your friends!"
"My friends…" Nagihiko glanced at his phone, unlocking it. He scrolled through his contacts, arriving at the letter M. Upon seeing the familiar name, he smiled softly. He remembered how she told him that he could call her for anything, if needed. He let out a sigh, and pressed the call button next to her name.
As he waited for her to pick up, he returned to the computer, his hand over the mouse once again. He took a deep breath before eventually pressing the button.
Your flight has been booked. The computer screen tantalized. As he read the flight information, a sickening feeling formed in his chest. Was this the right decision? Was it wise to just go without really fathoming the decision?
"Nagi? What's up?" The small voice prompted Nagihiko to jump.
"Ah, Rima-Chan, hello," He greeted, his heart practically in his throat.
"Why did you call?" She wondered, her voice soft.
"I, um, was wondering if you were around," Nagihiko murmured. "We could meet up at the park nearby Seiyo Academy."
"Oh, um, sure!" Nagihiko could make out delight in her voice, prompting him to inwardly smile. "How come?"
"I'm not allowed to just want to see my dear Rima?" His teasing felt forced and unnatural. He let out a sigh. "Well… I wanted to talk to you, if that's alright."
"Is it about everything?"
"Yeah…" He admitted dryly. "I, um… I'll tell you in person, alright?"
"Sounds good. I'll meet you there in a few minutes." He hung up the phone, letting out a sigh. He knew it was just a meeting, but he was nervous. He grabbed a comb and brushed through his long purple hair. He gazed at his reflection through the mirror, letting out a sigh.
"I wonder if I look like him…" Nagihiko muttered, frowning. He changed into nicer clothes, wearing a blue-and-purple plaid shirt with nice jeans. Before leaving his house, he printed out the flight information.
"Ah, Young Master." Nagihiko turned just as he was about to leave, smiling gently. Baaya walked over to him. "Where are you headed?"
"I'm meeting my friend," He explained casually. "I'll be back soon." Baaya nodded, as Nagihiko exited his house. That wasn't a lie; he would be back soon, for now anyway.
As he arrived at the park, he sat on the bench, watching at scenery around him hollowly. Children were running about, playing some silly game. Parents were snapping photographs left and right, attempting to get the most out of their childhoods. It was a bright, sunny day, and Nagihiko felt anything but.
"What is it?" Nagihiko turned, facing the petite blonde whom he loved. Rima wore her typical black headband with a matching black skirt.
"Rima-Chan, you look beautiful," Nagihiko told her, smiling at her. Rima blushed a little, sitting beside him.
"Thanks. You look nice… too…" Rima murmured, embarrassed. Nagihiko beamed, leaning back on the bench. "But I presume you didn't invite me here to compliment me." Nagihiko sighed, shaking his head slowly.
"Remember that last night at the hotel, when I received a phone call?" Rima nodded. "The caller was Ikuto."
"Ikuto? Why would he call you? Do you two even talk?" Rima wondered, surprised.
"Now we do… The truth is, it turns out that Aruto Tsukiyomi, his father whom Ikuto is searching for, is apparently mine too." Seeing the confusion in Rima's eyes, Nagihiko let out a sigh. "That man I met, Daisuke…he lied to me. He pretended to be my father, when he was actually my uncle. Since I am the heir of my family, he wanted to inflict harm on me and convince me to kill myself, so he could inherit the money rather than me."
"That's awful," Rima whispered, seemingly stunned.
"Now that I know for sure Aruto is my father, I need to find out answers. Hence why I'm leaving for London tomorrow morning."
"Wait, what?! Tomorrow?!" Nagihiko glanced at the ground.
"I just booked the flight," He admitted. "I need to learn who he is…"
"Are you stupid? You can't just recklessly fly to London!" Rima exclaimed. "What about your mother? Knowing you, you're not telling her."
"She would never let me," Nagihiko pointed out. "She refused to tell me anything about him when I asked…" He sighed, shaking his head slowly. "I'll leave a note," He explained. "After the matter is done, anyway."
"Of course it's a note. That's how you left the first time, right? That's how you told Amu and the others that you were studying abroad in Europe for a year."
"That was different," Nagihiko protested.
"Oh really?" Rima let out a disgruntled sigh. "You're supposed to be the smart one. You of all people should know that you're being idiotic!"
"It's not a matter of logic or not." Nagihiko resisted all the urges to cry. "You don't understand, Rima. You can't possibly. He left me a long time ago and all my life, I've been wondering who he is. And now finally I have a chance to learn. I need to find out who he is, who I am."
"But leaving now…? How long are you going to be gone for?"
"I-I don't know…"
"Look, I know you want to learn about your father. I understand your curiosity." Rima reached for his hand, and slipped her fingers through his. He squeezed her hand tightly. "But you might not like what you find."
"Hm?"
"What if it's worse than what you imagined? Your past may not be some gallant tale about your father having to leave but he secretly loved you. It's probably dark. I know you want to find answers, but…will the answers really make everything better?"
"You might be right," Nagihiko agreed. "But even still, I need to learn. Even if I don't like what I find, I at least can stop wondering, right?"
"How long will you be gone?" Rima wondered.
"I…I don't know." Nagihiko murmured. "I really haven't…"
"Do you have any of the details planned? Where are you staying? Nagi, London is a big city; knowing he's in London isn't extremely helpful."
"I'm relying on Ikuto to work out the details," Nagihiko admitted. He knew Rima was right; he was being extremely rash. "Look, I know it's reckless and stupid and I may get screwed over in the end; but I have to risk it… It's my past, after all."
"Who's next on your list?" Rima muttered, averting her eyes from him. "Tadase? Kukai? Who else are you going to meet up and say goodbye to?" As she began to slide her fingers out of his, he tightly grabbed her hand.
"I didn't just bring you here to say goodbye," Nagihiko pointed out.
"Then why am I here? You clearly have your mind made up regarding what you're doing. You didn't bring me here to ask my advice."
"Because you're right; I have no clue what the hell I'm doing." Rima looked at him, surprised. Nagihiko could feel tears beckon down to slide down his cheeks. "I just know I need to find out…but I'm scared." He knew he sounded petulant—especially in front of Rima—but he no longer cared. "All this shit is happening too fast and spiraling out of control… and I don't even have to fathom any of it. It's like an earthquake. One second, everything is okay, but suddenly there's that tremor and Richter Scales are saying it's some absurdly high number. Out of nowhere, the entire world is vibrating rapidly and floods are coming in and there's mass destruction. And yet, even though it seems impossible for all of that to happen at once, it does and you don't even know how to react." Rima stared at Nagihiko for a moment. He was crying now, so he rested his head on her shoulder. He could feel her small hands in his indigo hair, tousling it.
"It'll work out," Rima whispered softly.
"Will it?" He murmured.
"Well, you booked the flight, so I guess it has to." Nagihiko sighed, lifting his head up. Her hazel eyes studied him, compassion evident within them. He smiled weakly at her.
"Thank you…" He looked at her again. Her eyes shifted away from his, as she glanced at the green grass. In the background, children were running around, laughing and playing wildly. He watched the children as well, seeing them play some game in which they needed to chase each other. He could see their parents watching in awe. A pit formed in his stomach. Simplicity. The word seemed so intangible—so foreign to him. He could feel himself sooner cross the galaxy and float amiss the stars rather than bask in the concept of simplicity. Its prospect enthralled him; the idea of living in a simple life seemed so appealing, and yet, he seemed to repel it naturally.
"I'll miss you." Nagihiko turned back to Rima. Her eyes were fixated on the ground, some of her blonde hair covering her eyes. He studied her, seeing the melancholy on her face imposed by him. Looking at her was like looking into a mirror reflecting his own emotions.
"It'll be hard to be away from you," He whispered. He squeezed her fingers lightly. She let out a sigh. She leaned back on the bench, her wavy blonde hair bouncing back behind her head. "You know… I've never properly thanked you." She turned back to him, a bit puzzled.
"Didn't you just thank me?" He chuckled lightly.
"No, I mean before… You were the one who comforted me when I needed you most." With an available hand, he reached toward her face and gently caressed her face. She smiled lightly, a light blush forming upon her cheeks. "I tried to push you away, and yet despite everything, you always came back to try and help me."
"Well, what can I say? I guess you're just irresistible," Rima mumbled, slightly sarcastically. Nagihiko chuckled slightly. Her words from just two days ago rang through his mind. She had told him she loved him. And what did he do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He stared into her hazel eyes, and to his dismay, saw nothing short of compassion and care. Rima was not known for being selfless, and yet—despite Nagihiko's lack of response toward her confession—she was going out of her way just to be there for him. Somehow, the cold Rima Mashiro had revealed herself to be the warmest person Nagihiko had ever met.
"Rima, I…" He took a deep breath. She studied him, cocking her head to the side slightly. "I know I'm not the most honest person in the world. I lied to my… to our best friend about my gender. I didn't tell anyone about what's really going on with me. I never told anyone about everything my mother expects of me. But I can fully assure you—without even a trace of dishonesty- that there is not even a slight part of me that is not utterly and unconditionally in love with you." Rima's eyes widened. "In layman's terms, I love you."
"N—" Nagihiko pressed his lips to hers, and in that instant, he forgot everything. He didn't care about Aruto or his mother or his uncle; Rima was everything to him. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. He could feel her muscles relax as she leaned onto him, kissing him back. He imagined himself holding her forever; he wanted to freeze this moment forever.
After a few minutes, he separated from her, breathing slightly. He could see she was blushing profusely, and he could guarantee that he was too.
"I'm sorry, Rima," He whispered. "Once I find what I'm looking for, I promise I'll be back. And when I come back, I'll treat you to dinner."
"Dinner?"
"We can go wherever you want." He smiled brightly. "They're opening that seafood restaurant near the mall in a week or so; we can eat there, if you want."
"That sounds…nice." He squeezed her hands.
"And then…"
"You'll be my boyfriend," Rima declared. He chuckled lightly.
"I wouldn't expect anything less." Rima smiled for a moment, before quickly vanishing. Nagihiko reached up to her blonde curls and curled them around his finger.
"I'll be back in a blink of an eye," He promised. "I wouldn't keep you waiting too long, Rima." Her hazel eyes remained fixated on the ground. He moved his hand to her shoulder and massaged it lightly. He stared up at the sky, letting out a melancholic sigh.
"I guess I ought to…"
"No," She whimpered, clutching his arm. He chuckled humorlessly.
"Hey, I love you." He whispered. "Don't forget it, okay?" He kissed her on the cheek gently, before sliding his arm out of hers and walking away. He could feel her hazel eyes boring into the back of his head, but he didn't look back at her. He knew that if he turned back around, he would have sat right back next to her and never moved from that spot.
"Hey Tadase, it's me, Nagihiko." Nagihiko hesitated, letting out a sigh. It was three in the morning, and he was extremely grateful that Tadase was still asleep. It had already been heart-wrenching to say goodbye to Rima; he couldn't bear to hear Tadase's pleas of protest as well. "When we were on vacation, you knew something was wrong, but I wouldn't tell you…" Nagihiko leaned back onto his pillow.
"That man you saw at the beach and the pool, long story short, he was my uncle. I thought he was my father, but it turns out that my father is actually Aruto Tsukiyomi. Ikuto had called me, telling me some information about it from his diary, and my mother confirmed it. I…I can't keep wondering forever, Tadase. I'm flying to London tomorrow—well, I guess it's today—and meeting up with Ikuto to find…him." Nagihiko's voice cracked, and he knew he could easily start crying. "I'll be back soon, I promise. Tell Kukai and Yaya, will you? Amu-Chan…" He sighed, knowing that the pinkette likely wouldn't care.
"Thank you, Tadase. I know I wasn't honest with you until now, and I don't even have the guts to do it in person, but you cared about me, and that means a lot to me. You've always been a great friend—a brother—to me." Nagihiko hesitated.
"Oh, and one last thing? Rima… she… Can you just look after her for me? That sounds dumb. She's extremely strong and capable, but I know things aren't great at home for her, and I just want to know that she's doing well. I'll miss her…" Nagihiko sighed. "I guess I should try and get some sleep. I'll see you soon Tadase, I promise." He hung up the phone, letting out a groan.
What the hell am I doing? Nagihiko thought bitterly.
At around five in the morning, Nagihiko tiptoed to the front door, rolling his suitcase as quietly as possible. He put his carefully written note on his kitchen table, sighing. What would his mother think? What would Baaya think? As he unlocked the door, he hesitated. Would his mother ever permit him to come back? He was disobeying her wishes; he was going to find his father despite her clear objections to him knowing anything about Aruto.
"I can't go back now," He mumbled, closing the door behind him. He rolled his suitcase into his car, and started the engine.
As he started driving toward the airport, he could distinctly see the door of his house fly open. Baaya was watching his car drive away, a gawk present. Nagihiko immediately looked away, guilt seeping within.
After arriving at the airport, he parked his car, and went inside. He glanced around, sighing. He had been here countless times for trips to Europe; however, everything seemed completely different now.
"Flight A176 is ready to board," The PA System spoke. Nagihiko gripped his suitcase tightly, following the group of people also bound for London.
"Nagi," Temari whispered. He glanced up at his charas.
"You've got this, man." Rhythm grinned. "You're going to learn everything you've been wondering about for years. Don't be afraid."
"Rhythm's right," Temari reassured. "You have Ikuto by your side. You can finally find the satisfaction you've wanted for years. Trust yourself, Nagi. You can do this." Nagihiko silently thanked his charas, but clenched his fists. He tried to hide the intense trepidation that seemed to infect every cell in his body.
As he stepped onto the plane, he knew he couldn't go back now. He was about to fly to his past and learn the secrets of his family. And that idea made him feel sick to his stomach.
It's funny. I had like 75% of the RimaHiko prewritten for basically a year and nothing else, but randomly last night I got inspiration and started writing and I finished within like 2 and a half hours. For all of you writers facing Writer's Block, don't give up. You can surpass it!
But anyway, I hope you all enjoy. It would mean so much to me if you guys left reviews. I am extremely grateful for all of them 3. Was there enough RimaHiko? Fluff is always needed. I know it seems early in the story for them to be a couple, but I don't want to write another fanfic in which it takes like 173646 years for them to get past the awkward crush phase, and no stories ever focus on them as a couple. Yes, Nagi is flying to London, but there will be romance in the future, that I can guarantee.
I know Nagi may seem OOC, but cut the poor guy some slack. He's been through hell (and it's only going to get worse!).
Anyway, please review! My next update will definitely be less than a year. Now that I got over a hump there, it'll be easier for me to find motivation to write. Time? I'm a senior in high school; one day I will choose my college and nothing will matter- then I will have my much aspired free time to keep writing.