Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Dreams Alter Reality ❯ Day Dreams and Reckonings ( Chapter 7 )

Once again dedicated to Miss KittyLynne. She feeds my Fushigi Yuugi fix, and gets me excited about my deep love for this anime.

Even if she doesn't read this, also dedicated in part to InuSkye. My inu ai, you energize this one to work on myself and to extend the reaches of my mind. Aishiteru

 

Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own Fushigi Yuugi nor is making any money off of this.

 

“Dreams Alter Reality” chapter seven

Day Dreams and Reckonings

 

“Table nine's waiting on their drinks! Move it, Shinwa!”

“On my way, sir!” Tetsuo called. He grit his teeth and balanced the tray. His eyes riveted to the ice clinking inside the glasses, focusing on them so not one would spill. He had doused a patron on his first night, and he didn't intend to repeat his evening of butt-kissing and scrubbing the bathroom floor.

“It's about time, kid. Hand over the beer,” A fat businessman stated as Tetsuo stopped at his table. His suited comrades each reached for a glass as Tetsuo set them down. The red-haired youth clasped his tray in front of his waist and waited.

“You can go now, we'll call you when we want some more,” the businessman demanded. Tetsuo bowed and sprinted off. He leaned against the bar, his lean legs crossed at the ankle.

Hopping at the whims of better-off men wasn't something he enjoyed, but Tetsuo knew one must pay their dues as they got started in the real world. That included answering any whim his boss had to satisfy his job needs, and to study hard for his exams and write his papers when he wasn't exhausted. Big city life was a shock compared to his country home but Tetsuo knew one morning he would have the pulse of the moving city in his veins and he would stop counting the seconds to safely enter and leave the subway doors. He would stop staring around at the hustle and bustle of everyday life out here, and he would fall into a routine that would enable his mind to other opportunities.

Opportunities such as finding his Miaka-san. Tetsuo dreamt of her on a regular basis that was hinting on borderline obsessive. His dreams grew more and more vivid and he often woke in a cold sweat, his passion tenting his shorts. His next-door neighbor Yotsuya seemed to find ways to rib him for his midnight adventures into the erotic and Tetsuo resolved to save money to get some concrete to patch up the hole between their rooms. The space big enough for a slim man to slide through had to be walled off for his privacy's sake.

“Waiter, waters over here!” Tetsuo's table six called. Tetsuo bowed at the waist and ran off. He bumped into Megumi who smiled up at him. Tetsuo noticed her red lips always curved up into a smile for him but he always brushed it off. Megumi and all the other women at his college were too young, too skinny for his taste. He wanted mature curves, a ripe woman in her prime who wanted him and his heart.

“Sorry about that, Tetsuo-kun!” Megumi cooed. Tetsuo weakly smiled and danced around her, collecting glasses of water for his tray.

“Think nothing of it!” he answered in return and all but ran to his designated table. No, he didn't want any more games. He wanted the relationship that would sustain him all of his days. `Though it's hard chasing a dream woman…'

“Bout time, kid! We're ready for our real drinks now,” one of the customers at table six announced as Tetsuo carefully set four glasses of water down onto the table. Only one glass sloshed, spilling a bare minimum of water onto the table's slick top. Tetsuo bit his lip and hoped they hadn't noticed.

“We'll take a couple of sake's, one Manhatten and a vodka martina with a pernod float,” the businessman ordered. His three companions, younger women that had to have been his employees, smiled expectantly at him. Tetsuo felt his chest constrict and he stood straight.

“Of course, sir, right away,” Tetsuo said smoothly, jotting down the characters and dashing off with his tray.

“Good bustle, but hope he doesn't spill the drinks when he gets back,” Tetsuo heard the businessman exclaim to his party members behind him. Tetsuo's slim shoulders hunched and he ran off all the faster, dodging his colleagues and boss expertly. It was his first week, but he had always been a fast learner to a job's requirements. He wouldn't spill again.

Tetsuo relayed his order at the bar and he waited for his drinks to come up. He tapped one scuffed leather shoe into the tiled floor as he waited, and tried to look busy. It was a busy night, and he just wanted to make money. His right forearm burned and Tetsuo bit his lip, covering the sleeve of his dress shirt with his left hand in hopes of turning attention away from the fiery brand glowing on his skin. Tetsuo had always been something of a realist, but even he couldn't scoff off the brand that showed up on him often as a dream or a fanciful whim. It had been happening on a regular basis and Tetsuo knew his showing up in Tokyo amplified his possibilities.

How little the reincarnated young man knew he would be so right.

 

Across the street, Boshin Saito and BoshinYui were pulling a reluctant Miaka with them toward the bar we witnessed Tetsuo's job at. Miaka whined and dug her slim heels into the concrete until Saito and Yui were all set to lift her up by the elbows and take her inside bodily.

“Come on, Miaka, you know you want to have a little fun!” Yui insisted.

“But what if Hiroshi needs me? What if he left the oven on?” Miaka gave lamely. Saito laughed and lifted her up in one strong arm. Yui strode quickly at his side.

“Hiroshi-kun's fine and you know it! Come on, one drink out with your dear friends isn't going to damage you!” Saito insisted. Miaka flailed in his grasp then gave it up for a lost cause.

“I just can't! Widowed mothers don't just go out, what would people think of me?” Miaka gave one last chance.

Yui tapped her best friend lightly on the head as she pushed open the bar's doors for her husband. Saito strode on in, Miaka under one arm.

“They would think you need a little happiness! Just one drink with us, and no complaining!” Yui commanded. Miaka went limp as Saito set her on her feet strongly.

“What about Mariko?” Miaka gave one last ditch effort. Yui crossed her arms under her round breasts and smiled.

“She's in the best care with Naisen-kun, Miaka. Now no more worrying!” Yui threatened. Saito sat down at a table and he smiled when his wife joined him. Miaka stood fidgeting and then sat down across from them.

“Besides, it's not like we're going to be out partying all night. We have responsibilities now,” Saito smiled kindly. Miaka bowed her head with a shy smile. The reincarnation of Suboshi had grown into a kind and loving man that had done her friend a world of good. Yui could have been happy, and very much so at that, with Tetsuya, but Saito had shared a love with her from another life. That could not be easily forgotten. Miaka knew this all too well.

“We do at that. Hey, what do you want to drink? I'm dying for a gin and tonic,” Yui exclaimed. Miaka laughed and looked through a list of drinks as Saito decided.

“Hello I'm Megumi and I'll be your waitress. Would you like to try any of our monthly special drinks?” the slim college girl stepped up to their table and asked. Saito bantered easily with her, earning a slight cuff from Yui on the shoulder.

Saito only grinned and leaned to kiss her cheek. Yui rubbed her hand over his strong bicep and smiled contently.

Miaka finally decided on a rum and coke, something simple to have while she was out. Megumi bowed at their requests and scampered off.

“What, don't give me that look, Yui! There are male waiters here too,” Saito observed. The young men wore tight black trousers and white dress shirts and bow ties, making him feel slightly subconscious. Being in his early thirties with a young daughter and older wife sometimes made him feel older or younger than his time depending on what angle that could be felt subconscious about.

“I'm not looking at them, I'm looking at you,” Yui said honestly. Saito smiled and took her hand. Miaka looked around sadly, her large eyes woefully exclaiming her loneliness.

“What is it, Miaka-chan?” Saito asked gently. Miaka rubbed her bare arm and wished for Taka's stolid presence to be at her side once more. She shivered.

“Just being out in a public place where everyone is having a good time only makes me know how lonely I am and how I may not know happiness again,” Miaka said softly. Yui and Saito exchanged glances. Then they leaned forward as one unit.

“You will fine somebody, Miaka! It would be unlikely that you don't,” Yui exclaimed. Saito laid his large hand over Miaka's trembling one and squeezed. Miaka felt him infuse warmth through his will between them. She felt full from his gesture.

“There is someone else out there for you, we know it. Come on, a sexy woman who has accomplished so much and loves so readily? You're a catch and you know it,” Saito smiled. Miaka knew she liked how his eyes crinkled at the edges when he smiled so and knew Yui was very happy always.

“Be careful, or I'll get jealous,” Yui teased. She sipped her drink and smiled. Miaka cheered and looked around happily at the bustling bar.

“You're both right, and I can't wallow in self-doubt. I have to move one step forward at a time,” Miaka exclaimed happily.

A tall red-haired young man moved with a tray behind her chair and she stiffened at the presence subconsciously. Tetsuo walked with his back ramrod straight, but he didn't see her. Miaka leaned forward and chatted with her friends. Tetsuo walked on to his table and carefully set down drinks with a smooth whisper of subservience.

Both felt the charge and looked around. Fate was leaning in their direction but for the time being they missed the immediate call. As Miaka left with her best friend and her husband, she brushed against a tall waiter. She glanced up and noticed red hair and intense eyes as they passed by each other again. And both felt the electricity flash like fire between them.

“That wasn't so bad, was it?” Saito asked. Yui walked with her arm around his slim waist.

Miaka looked back towards the bar and then to her friends. Her gut feeling told her to run back inside and talk to the young man. But she swallowed and went along with Yui and Saito to the subway station.

“Can we come back another time soon?” she asked quietly.

 

* * * *

 

“You have to calm down, Toya, it's all going to be okay,” Naisen said. He had just put Mariko down and that had been an adventure in itself like it usually was lately. She had wanted numerous horsey rides and stories read out loud before she succumbed to exhaustion. Naisen was stretched on his back in Yui's living room, talking to his classmate on his cell phone.

“But I dream about him at night, and during the day,” Toya complained. Naisen smirked.

“I know, Sensei had to throw a piece of chalk at you today during lessons,” he wryly brought up. Toya sighed with exasperation.

“But we have these things we can do,” Toya protested and Naisen knew he spoke of their celestial powers under the Dragon God of the East. “I could make him love me…” His hand slipped into his pocket to caress a smooth clamshell.

Naisen made a clucking sound over the line with disapproval.

“That's not the way, Toya, and you know it,” Naisen intoned. “Just give him some space. Maybe Hiroshi will want you that way, but even if he doesn't, be there for him.”

Toya sighed. “You're right, I just want him so badly it hurts.”

“I know,” Naisen muttered. He was missing Sadako terribly and they had just exchanged their kisses for the afternoon a few hours earlier. It shouldn't have hurt so badly to be separated for the night but there you had it.

Toya seemed to mirror his thoughts for he laughed highly through the line. “You can't complain, she loves you and you answered her. It'll be a miracle for Hiroshi to heed the call I've made with my heart.”

“Lay off the theatrics, Toya, I hear you loud and clear,” Naisen grimaced, rolling onto his side. He propped his head up with one hand, his long hair falling onto the floor.

“Still, you shouldn't complain. YOU have a good thing going,” Toya griped. Naisen laid his head on his bicep and smiled.

“I know I do. Just take care of your thoughts and we'll tackle this,” Naisen said. He and Toya wrapped up and the blond half-japanese clicked his phone shut. He closed his eyes and thought of Sadako's red hair and the very short time he had had inside of her. He had been scared out of his mind for taking that step so early in this life but unlike other young couples, the two of them had a memory of similar embrace to see the act through.

`We may have to take it a little more slow until the next time…' Naisen thought. The front door opened and he heard his past Seiryuu no Miko and celestial brother conversing lightly as they stepped out of shoes and closed and locked the door to their home.

“She seemed to have a good time.”

This from Saito.

“She did open up! I think maybe she likes somebody there.” Yui's statement.

“Either way, it's good for her to get out, love.”

Saito and Yui were headed his way. Naisen sat up and uncrossed his legs.

“We're home!” Yui announced, all business once more. Naisen smiled and stood up.

“Did Sukunami-san have a good time out?” Naisen asked politely as he slung his school uniform jacket on and buttoned up the front. Saito looked through his wallet and handed several hundred yen to the young man. They grinned at each other, feeling the familiar flash of celestial camaraderie.

“You know, I think she did,” Yui said. She unpinned her hair and Naisen watched her blond hair fall down her back. Unlike his own, she dyed hers to keep a look she enjoyed where as he was half English.

“That's good. She always looks so sad now,” Naisen said carefully. Yui hugged him goodbye and Naisen stepped into his shoes at the entry way and left.

Saito watched their young seishi leave and he twirled his fingers in midair. Several of Mariko's toys were lifted and spun in a circle. Yui clucked her tongue and walked back to the bedrooms, her long blond hair swaying.

“I told you not to do that in the house where Mariko can see,” she said quietly. Saito smiled and closed his fingers together. The toys fell neatly to the floor. He followed his wife to check on their daughter.

 

* * * *

 

“Ow! Why did you have to whack me like that?” Nana whined. Her long purple hair was pulled back into a bun and her long bare legs waved back and forth as they dangled off the bench. Mareshi dabbed a rag against her brow, dotting small bits of blood away from her ivory skin.

“I'm sorry,” the tall boy rumbled. His shortly cropped hair stood straight up and he knelt at his classmate's side trying to assuage her pain. “I just didn't hear you come up from behind me.”

“I meant to surprise Hideyuki-kun,” Nana pouted. “You didn't have to hit me with your lacrosse stick.” Mareshi tutted under his breath and leaned back. He surveyed his handiwork.

“I said I was sorry. Hideyuki's getting the nurse now,” Mareshi explained. Nana looked around, her heart in her eyes at the mention of their pony-tailed friend. Mareshi looked around also, watching his classmate's play lacrosse or run laps in their gym period. Nobody was paying them any attention.

“It still hurts,” Nana griped. Mareshi nodded seriously and held his large right hand up. The palm was hot as sin to the touch against Nana's brow.

“What are you doing to me now?” she asked. Mareshi closed his eyes and let his power come to the surface.

“Getting rid of that cut. Now hold still please,” he instructed. Sparks contrasted between his hand and Nana's brow. She looked up and touched her forehead when he retracted his palm.

“I don't know how you do that, but you can't let anybody see,” Nana whispered. She smiled up at her tall somber friend. Mareshi let some emotion show in a sad smile. He massaged his right palm with his left hand and sighed.

“Here comes Hideyuki now,” he murmured. Their tall longhaired friend ran waving. His lacrosse stick was cradled under one arm like a blade.

“The nurse is coming! Hey, you didn't say you were going to heal her,” Hideyuki complained. His deepened voice toned like a bell. Mareshi and Nana regarded their old friend and laughed.

“So have you heard about our science project?” Nana asked. Mareshi shrugged.

“Science is not my forte,” he wisely observed. Hideyuki slung his ponytail rather elegantly over his slim shoulder. Nana's heart thudded in her breast.

“It's going to be a tough project, but Toshio said we could work with him. His little brother's a first year here, some kind of genius or something.”

“Really? We should get him on our team too,” Nana exclaimed.

“He's in a different year! He can't be on our team,” Hideyuki pointed out.

“He could give us tips however if he's really smart as they say,” Mareshi suggested. The three friends nodded and felt a connection reach out towards somebody they had known before. A young short boy with his hair pulled up into a high tail on top of his head read through his books in a classroom on another floor.

Suzaku Sekun looked down from above and was pleased.

 

* * * *

 

Tetsuo packed up his papers and his books into his backpack and ran out of his room.

“What's your hurry, young Shinwa? Have a drink and sit down,” Yotsuya leered, pouncing on the young redhead as he scampered out and dodged him and then Mrs. Ichinose out in the hallway.

“You were drinking on my door??” he growled. He shook off the oily man's grasp and hopped clear over the kneeling Mrs. Ichinose. No different than jumping a squat fire hydrant, or so his mind formed the analogy.

“You can't leave yet!” Mrs. Ichinose cracked out laughing. She grabbed Tetsuo's ankle and sprawled him half down the stairs on his face. Tetsuo grunted and his backpack flew down out of his hand. Papers and a few books fell out on the first floor.

“Let go of me! I'm going to be late for class!” Tetsuo complained. He shook his foot mightily, and fell the rest of the way to the first floor. Mrs. Ichinose's insane laughter shook the rafters on the second floor.

“Oh look at him go! A bit more decisive spunk than our dear Godai was!” she exclaimed. Yotsuya noisily drank from their shared sake bottle and agreed.

“Although one think this one has a plan for his heartache,” he explained carefully. Tetsuo flushed and climbed to his knees, shoving his papers inside his pack.

“Are you hurt, Mr. Shinwa?” Godai Haruka peered down into the young man's face, her eyes woefully worried for him. Tetsuo forced a smile and ruffled the little girl's hair.

“It's Tetsuo, Haruka-chan! And don't worry, I'll be fine,” he grinned. Haruka's face broke out into a wide smile.

“Haruka, it's lunch time!” Godai Kyoko called. Haruka scampered past the entryway and past apartment number one, and around the corner to reach the manager's office and her parent's residence. Tetsuo brushed off his appearance a moment too soon for Kyoko herself made her way around the corner to apologize for the tenants and to see him off.

“I'm truly sorry for their behavior, Tetsuo-kun. I've lived with them for years and know their habits and they put up with my authority either way. I truly hope you decide to stay on at Maison Ikkoku,” Kyoko said sincerely, bowing at the waist. Tetsuo stammered and bowed in return.

“Think nothing of it, Kyoko-san! It's a good place to live and Haruka-chan is a great kid,” he confessed.

“If you need anything, just let Yusaku-san and I know,” she suggested. Tetsuo grinned and raked a hand through his unruly red bangs. She really did care about her tenants; it was just her way.

“I sure will. Well, I must be off,” he said. Kyoko watched the slim youth step into his sneakers and open the boarding house's front door.

“Have a good day!” she waved. Tetsuo walked off with a spring in his step. Godai Kyoko was a good woman and Yusaku-san was a lucky man to have gotten her. He hoped his future with his dream woman would be as ideal.

He had brushed up against what he felt was Miaka-san at his job the other night. Tetsuo was certain of it. He would keep his senses alert, and he would find her. Hopefully she would come back. The woman's eyes had widened as they briefly locked gazes before she left.

Tetsuo went to classes, and changed into his uniform later at work. Megumi and he bantered back and forth as they served drinks and waited on tables and the time flew by. Tetsuo glanced up at the clock between orders. A few more hours until the bar closed. Would she come? Would that touch against electricity in the waking world come back and find him?

Just as it seemed nothing would happen and life would continue on as bored as they would, Tetsuo was called to wait on a single woman. Her long brown hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose waves, peppered with stray silver. Her body was small, more petite, but rounded in a way most men would have lingered on no doubt due to bearing one child or more. As he approached her, Tetsuo found a strong hand clamping his arm holding him back. Tetsuo looked over his shoulder and frowned at the taller and darkly more handsome colleague of his who was notorious for the notches on his belt in the workplace and with customers.

“I'm working,” Tetsuo snapped. Miro smirked and adjusted his bowtie.

“Well, not right now you're not. The boss wants to see you,” Miro said smoothly. Tetsuo grit his teeth. Every instinct in his being screamed at him to go to the table and talk to the woman. He felt a drawing toward her with every fiber of his existence. Instead principal won out and he spun around, leaving the woman to the wolves so he thought of Miro and his advances.

Miro walked up to the table and ran a hand through his hair.

“Can I take your order, ma'am?” he asked smoothly. Miaka looked up, her eyes wide and frightened. But she smiled at Miro's apparent charm.

“I was wondering if I could have a gin and tonic?” Miaka asked softly. Miro smiled and jotted her order down effortlessly then leaned close.

“A beautiful woman such as your self should not be out alone. Do you need someone to champion your safety home?” he asked mellifluously. Miaka flushed as he kissed the back of her hand and looked away. No, this was not the man. She was sure of it.

“I…I don't believe that will be necessary,” she stammered. Tetsuo looked over his shoulder, feeling her need call to him. He turned on his heel and stalked back out to the front.

 

End for now

Like it? Hate it? Send a review! I have not forgotten this story and I will complete it.

Most sincerely yours, penpaninu 6/07/06