InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ Moments Like This ( Chapter 32 )

Moments Like This

 

 

(Sango's POV)

 

I had been lounging in the comfort of my own room, mulling over the events of the last few days when a low grumble from my stomach let me know a decent meal was long overdue. My mind was still whirling so I decided to take the long way to the kitchen. I figured a nice walk through the gardens and courtyard would be just what I needed to clear my head before I ate.

 

When I reached the courtyard I saw Kouga and Lord Sesshoumaru staring each other down. Not sure what to make of the situation I slowed my stride and veered so that I would keep to the edge of the clearing. I couldn't hear what Kouga said to the Youkai Lord but whatever it was caused him to flex his claws before disappearing into the night.

 

From what I could see of his expression, Kouga was just as shocked by this as I was. The Wolf Demon shook his head and began walking in my direction. When he finally noticed me he refused to make eye contact. I assumed he had no desire to discuss his behavior in the hall earlier so I decided I would grant him this respite and ask an explanation on more recent activities.

 

“Good evening, Kouga. What brings you out to the battle court at this hour?”

 

Before he answered he took a whiff of the air around us, folded his arms across his chest and let out a disgusted snort. “I came out here to work of some frustration and ending up sparring with Lord Sesshoumaru.” He said the Youkai Lord's title with such obvious disdain I felt compelled to ask what went wrong.

 

This was a question to which the answer was `nothing', but I wasn't buying it. I could tell from the tone of his voice and the tension in his stance that it was a far cry form nothing. I chose to respect his privacy and not pry. Instead I asked him if he would like to join me on my quest for food. His shoulders relaxed and the frown lines disappeared from his face as he accepted my offer.

 

Once we arrived in the kitchen we saw Tibade giving one of the cook's strict instructions on the preparation of what sounded like some sort of soup. After he finished, the healer approached us and said that Inuyasha had awakened for a short period of time and was now resting again. When we asked about Miroku he said he seemed to be fine as well he just hadn't regained consciousness yet. We thanked him for his time and the update before we continued looking for dinner.

 

After we gathered our meals from the cook we took them into the dining hall. As soon as we walked in our eyes fell upon Rin and Shippou seated at the table, eating under Jaken's watchful eye. The Toad Demon was standing a few feet behind the children and he looked a little worse for wear. Curious as to what had the Imp so tired and haggard looking I asked; and his response was not what I expected at all.

 

The Imp claimed Lord Sesshoumaru had given him strict orders to watch over the children and keep them `entertained'. In the process of doing this the little ones had decided to play `tag' and make Jaken `it'. When he described the trouble he had trying to chase down Shippou and Rin at the same time it took all of the self-control I possessed not to laugh. My brother and I used to play a similar game and it could be quite challenging when you are chasing down a fellow demon exterminator. I could only imagine how tough it would be for someone of Jakens' stature to chase down an energetic demon cub like Shippou and even a human like Rin, who I'd come to realize had enough energy for several children. Jaken ended his summary, saying he finally gave up and lured them out with the promise of food.

 

Shippou and Rin ate like there was no tomorrow for quite a while; and it wasn't until their plates were almost empty that either one of them spoke.

 

“Sango, what was that huge bubble and where did it come from?” Shippou asked as he looked at me with wide questioning eyes. His inquiry caught me off guard even though it shouldn't have. I should have known the children would have questions about all of this and been expecting it. I took a deep breath and tried to explain what little I knew of the situation to them.

 

My knowledge of the subject at hand was severely limited. I haven't had the opportunity to really speak to Inuyasha about any of this. In the midst of me floundering for words Tibade entered the dining area and offered his assistance - I almost sighed aloud in relief.

 

It was a while before the kids ran out of questions for the Healer. When he was done, he patted them each on the head and with a broad smile, he told them if they showed the cooks empty plates he was sure they would be able to find a treat for them.

 

This information had both children grinning from ear to ear and rushing to finish what little food they had left. When they scooped up the empty dishes and ran off into the kitchen I noticed Jaken looked a little apprehensive. “What has you looking so worried Jaken?”

“They were hard enough to keep up with before… and now they are going to have the added energy sugar brings.” He mumbled as he shook his head.

 

Tibade smiled at the Toad Demon and I found myself staring at the Healer. He didn't appear to be much older than Lord Sesshoumaru, but from some of the things he's said I know his appearance is deceiving. He has spoken of his time under the Inu No Tashio's rule before Sesshoumaru was even born and that leads me to believe he is quite a bit older than his appearance would have someone think. Kouga looks to be the same age as I and I know he is well over two centuries old.

 

I then found myself wondering what type of demon Tibade was. He has long white hair close to the shade of Inu-sans, but he has a couple of black stripes running down either side. His complexion is noticeably darker than either of the brothers and his build is much broader. Every time I've seen him his hair is pulled back, tied in a low ponytail and fastened with a strip of leather. He is also always dressed in the manner of a warrior. I found that last fact extremely odd since his place here is that of a healer.

 

I suppose I gawked a bit too long because Tibade asked if something was the matter. I could feel my cheeks sting with the embarrassment of being caught blatantly staring at him. Out of options I looked down at my plate and shook my head no. His only response was a short laugh before he started talking to Kouga about getting a few extra guards on the end of the palace where his chambers were until Inu-san and Miroku recovered. Kouga responded by saying he would have the extra guards over there before nightfall.

 

I was lost in my own thoughts again when Tibade calling my name snapped me out of my trance. “Are you feeling well, Lady Sango?” he asked as he regarded me with a furrowed brow and concerned eyes. I fought to keep my words sensible and replied with a simple yes. “Good, then you wouldn't mind helping me carry the food for my two patients up to my chambers then.”

 

“No not at all,” I replied, but what else could I really say? I truly didn't mind doing anything that would help Tibade help my friends; but I was feeling a bit uneasy around the healer at the moment and I had no idea why. When I looked over at him I he was staring at me, it was then my turn to ask questions.

“Is there something the matter Tibade?”

“No, I was just wondering how long you were going to sit there with that empty bowl in your hand.”

 

The amount of heat that flooded to my face was unreal. I looked down at the empty dish in my hand, stood and made haste for the kitchen. I was beyond embarrassed and hearing Kouga's laughter helped none.

 

When I stepped into the kitchen I dumped the bowl into the washing bin and tried to collect my thoughts. I didn't have very much time to do so because Tibade appeared in the kitchen to pick up the food.

 

“Feeling better now, Lady Sango?”

“Yes much better.” Lying to a demon had to fall somewhere in between stupidity and nonsense but I did it anyway. After he had the soup, bread and tea placed on two separate trays he motioned for me to pick one up as he gathered the other. We left the kitchen in silence and headed towards his chambers.

 

We had just rounded the corner that led to the western wing when he decided to strike up conversation. “From what I can tell, based on recent happenings, everyone seems to be ready to settle down with a mate.” I simply nodded since I really had nothing to add to his comment. “Not to pry but you have lived here in the palace amongst only demons, with the exception of Rin, for months now; do you not have a desire to find a mate of your own?”

 

The question stopped me dead in my tracks and memories better left forgotten rushed to the forefront of my mind. I am not sure how long I stood there but Tibade placing his own hand upon my shaking ones brought me back to present.

 

“I am sorry if my line of questioning has ventured into something you would rather not speak of.”

 

Stunned at his words I took a deep breath and shook my head `no'. He looked at me with confused eyes but said nothing. When I resumed walking down the western corridor he followed silently. I knew he wouldn't question my reaction but on some level I felt I owed him an explanation nonetheless.

 

When we reached his chambers he sat his tray down on a table next to the door, motioned toward the seat beside it and left the room. Understanding I placed my tray beside his and sat down. I assumed he went to check on Miroku and Inu-san so I just waited patiently for his return. I passed the time by studying the various bottles and jars, wondering about their contents. When I looked toward the direction the Healer had left I found him in the doorway studying me as intently as I had been studying the jars.

 

I felt my hands clench into fists as I tried to steel my nerves for what I was about to say. He glanced down at my hands and tilted his head to the side as he leaned against the doorframe. He knew I was preparing for something.

 

“Please forgive my earlier reaction in the hall. Your question brought to mind something I have been avoiding thinking of for a while.” His vibrant green eyes narrowed into slits but he remained silent. “To answer your question I do not feel there is much point in me pursing a mate.” His eyes went from questioning slits to wide-eyed astonished. He looked as if he were about to speak but I beat him to it.

 

“I am barren, Tibade.”

 

If the topic wasn't so damn depressing the look of pure shock on his face would have probably made me laugh out loud, but as it was, this was no laughing matter. Once he recovered his eyes softened and he said, “Have you ever considered that is something that would not matter to some?” I ignored his question and continued on. “I feel it would be unfair to let a man court me, fall in love with me only to have to tell him that if he remains with me his family tree will grow no more.” I met his gaze with determination in my eyes; this is not something I was willing to debate.

 

“Since your mind is obviously made up on the matter do you want to tell me how all of this came about? It's obvious you haven't talked about it, my ears are open if you wish to make use of them.” After that he said nothing more as he moved out of the doorway to the shelf that held the bottles I was studying so intently before. He worked quietly rearranging the items for a while then he left the room without a word.

 

I stood and readied to leave because I figured he had grown tired of waiting on me to speak and decided to go on with his evening. I hadn't walked two steps when his voice called out to me from a neighboring room. “I don't insist upon many things when people visit my chambers but I do ask that they take the time to at least have a drink before they go.” Despite my somber mood a smile split my face and I wandered around the corner in search of the healer.

 

When I steeped into the next room I saw Tibade rummaging through some documents on his desk. He looked over at me and I could see he was pleased with my decision to stay. “So what shall it be Lady Sango, sake or tea?”

 

“Sake,” I replied as I tried to think of the last time I had enjoyed a bit of rice wine.

“Ah, a woman after my own heart I see. Tea is fine in the afternoon but at this time in the evening I find myself after something with a bit more feeling behind it,” He said as he pulled two masu1 and a bottle of sake out of the cabinet beside his desk. I found myself smiling broader as his lighthearted tone lifted my spirits. “How do you like your sake Lady Sango?”

“Warm and plentiful,” I replied “and please just call me Sango…titles and such are really not my thing.”

“Not your thing … do you have a nickname of some sort?”

 

At his question I could feel my face scrunch up in thought. In all my life I don't believe anyone had ever called me anything other than my given name. “No, actually I don't think I've ever had one.”

“Well we will fix that right now,” The Healer declared as he crossed the room to hand me my serving of sake. “How does Satomi2 sound to you?”

“Sounds like you are one to give undue flattery,” I replied as I accepted the offered masu.

“Flattery it is but undue it is not,” He said as he motioned for me to take a seat on the cushioned bench to my right. I simply nodded with a smile as he shook his head in mock exasperation and sat down beside me.

 

We talked about various things and as we did so I learned that, the healer has been with the Western clan for close to a millennia - I was shocked to say the least. I knew he had to be much older than he appeared but I would have never guessed him to be broaching on a thousand years of age. But I guess it should not surprise me since Inu-san said that his brother is over four hundred years old himself.

 

The conversation moved along and about three servings of sake in I just flat out asked him what type of demon he was. I wasn't trying to be rude but for the life of me I could not figure it out. When I voiced my question he simply laughed, “You would have never figured it out Satomi, so I'm glad that you asked.” He adjusted himself on the bench and once he was comfortable he continued, “My mother was a wood nymph and my father was a tiger demon. Obviously, from my appearance, I took more after my father, but there is just enough of my Mother's looks in me to confuse others.”

 

At his answer I almost choked on my sake. I had never once thought that Tibade was a half demon like Inu-san.

“So in a sense you are a half-demon too?”

“Correct. The reason it is often impossible for people to know this is because of the amount of power my Mother possessed, that coupled with the fact that nymphs are all but extinct now. Where it is apparent - especially once you get the brothers together - that Lord Inuyasha is not as strong as his full demon brother. I have no such shortcomings. If anything my Mother's blood enhanced my Fathers. Before she passed on she said that I had grown to be stronger than he ever dreamed of being and that he would have been very proud of me.”

 

I wanted to ask what had become of his parents, but if the distant look in his eyes when he spoke of them was any indicator, I gathered that that was a subject best left alone for the time being. If I wanted to know something I would have to generalize my question and chose my words carefully. “From what I know of nymphs they are extremely powerful creatures. How is it that a race so powerful managed to die off?”

“Well to make a long, and somewhat involved, story short,” he began as he knocked back the last of his current masu of sake, “A nymph can only mate with a being that pleases its soul. Until that occurs we have no desire to choose a lifelong mate. That and there are a host of other issues and complexities as well.”

 

From that statement I got the feeling that Tibade had never had a mate. If what he said was true then the soul of a nymph must be picky indeed if it has not happened in close to a thousand years. That is a long time, even for a demon, to be alone. “And what of you little taijiya? I used to hear tales of the demon slayer tribe all the time. Care to tell me what happened to the rest of your people?”

 

My entire body tensed at his question and the swift change in his demeanor said he was about to retract his query. I didn't give him a chance too. “Naraku.” The simple act of his name rolling off my tongue left a bad taste in my mouth. I polished off the last of my own serving of sake and held out my masu for a refill.

 

“My apologies again, Satomi, it seems my line of questioning this evening has done nothing but upset you.”

“No need to apologize Tibade. Whether I speak of my life and my past daily or never again it will not change it. What's done is done and I can do nothing but move on.”

 

Silent for a few moments I swirled my sake around and contemplated his offer of a listening ear. The more I thought about that and my life in general I realized how much that bastard Naraku has taken away from me. My tribe, my family, my ability to have children… damn him! It's times like this that I want him back from the dead just so I would have the satisfaction of killing him all over again.

 

I was jolted out of my thoughts when I felt something warm against my cheek. It was the back of Tibade's hand. At first I was confused but once my senses came back to me I realized that somewhere in the midst of my mental ranting I had begun to cry. A bit embarrassed at my outburst I started to turn away. Before I could do so Tibade had pulled me into his arms and once I let myself relax the tears really came and so did the story.

 

In blubbering sobbing gasps I told him everything. I told him about Kohaku, how I met Inu-san, but more than anything I babbled on about the battle with Naraku that ended my dreams of ever having a family of my own.

 

I'll never forget it.

 

Inu-san, Miroku and I were on our way back to Kaede's village after exterminating a demon. Kagome was back in her time and Shippou had stayed with Kaede to help her look after a healing Kilala. Thanks to his barrier we all but walked right on top of the wretched half-demon. He attacked the three of us swiftly and did his best to separate us.

 

As soon as it looked like Inu-san was making ground with his Tetsusaiga Naraku unleashed a barrage of tentacles and before I could even blink one had impaled me through my abdomen. Even though Miroku and Inu-san were there mere moments after hearing me scream it was too late…the damage had been done.

 

I did not find out just how much damage until well after I healed and more than two months had gone by without, “mother nature” as Kagome would call it, showing up. When it got close to the third time it should show I told the others I needed to visit Kaede. They looked concerned and started to question me but Inu-san cut them off - I guess he sensed it was a private matter. After his well timed intervention I boarded Kilala and in a few hours we arrived at the priestess hut.

 

As soon as she saw me she said, “I thought I might see you back here soon.” Her features softened and without me having to give the question voice I knew the Miko was about to tell me something I didn't want to hear. “Ye monthly visitor has yet to come to ye…am I correct?” With a heavy heart I nodded. “I'm afraid the injury ye suffered months ago at Naraku's hands has done permanent damage, Sango. Between the injury itself and the poison that leaked into your system I'm afraid ye are barren, my child.”

 

I left Kaede's as soon as I could will my feet to move and until now; I've tried my best not to think about it. I suppose it was inevitable that my being the loner of the crowd would draw someone's attention. Wiping my tear stained face I withdrew from Tibade's embrace. A heavy sigh passed my lips and, with wavering resolve, I looked up at the healer.

 

 

(Tibade's POV)

 

When she looked up at me there was so much anguish in those soft brown eyes I could have cried for her. I never had the misfortune of running into this Naraku character but from what Pup use to say about him he was one seriously depraved bastard. He seemed to delight in causing as much physical and mental torment as possible, and from what I can tell Lord Inuyasha and his friends seemed to been his favorite targets. I'm not sure what I can do to console the young taijiya, but I will try my best. It seems heartache and discord, are two things destined to follow this group.

 

* * *

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

Once I woke I was immediately aware of two things: One, I was not in my chambers. Two, Inuyasha was very close by. I rolled over to my left only to see the Hanyou sitting cross legged on his futon grinning at me.

 

“Welcome back to the land of the lucid.” He said.

 

I just smiled at him and tried my level best to sit up. When that action caused my head to spin, I settled for my previous prone position.

 

“Since I'm not charred, I'm guessing the barrier held. Is everyone alright?”

“Everyone's fine thanks to you.”

 

I nodded while trying to stifle a yawn. I didn't really feel sleepy but I was physically exhausted. I looked over at the table beside me and spied a cup and bowl. “Is that for me?”

 

“Yeah, Tibade brought it back with mine a while ago; might be cold now.”

“I don't care, I feel like I'm starving.”

“You probably are you've been out of it for close to two days.”

 

My eyes grew wide at this and I tried once again to sit up. (I now knew why my stomach was turning itself inside out.) Inuyasha came over to my futon and helped me into an upright position. The Hanyou placed a few pillows behind my winded form and handed me my bowl of soup. Once I had eaten my fill, Inuyasha urged me to lie back down and get some more sleep.

 

* * *

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

I could tell from the way his thoughts were jumbling around in his mind that he was past exhausted. He shook his head `no' and I glared at him. This phased him none so I resorted to examples.

--So you would have me believe, “Him shirtless is good soup.” Is a normal line of thought for you?--

 

At least the lecher had the decency to blush as he mumbled something that sounded like, “damnable mind meld.” I just grinned at him and urged him once again to lie down and get some sleep. I could tell that our short conversation had taken a lot out of him. He cut his eyes over at me and it looked like he was about to protest again when a cat-like grin split his face and he said, “I would have never pegged you for the mother-hen type Yash.”

 

He soon gave up his futile protesting and started to recline; as he did I could hear him trying to replay his own words in his mind so he could figure out if he had said what he thought he'd said. Feeling generous, I figured I'd save him the trouble. “Yeah you actually called me Yash. Don't worry about it I kinda like it.”

 

Once Miroku got all settled I watched him doze off in record time. When the thoughts I received from the Monk quieted down to next to nothing. I crossed the room and stepped onto the balcony.

 

The night was crisp and clear and even with my weakened senses I could tell fall was on its way. I was only out on the balcony for a few minutes before Ru appeared out in the garden. He was staring at me intently and I was once again taken aback by his beauty. Even though he had done some pretty thoughtless and hurtful things over the last few days I still loved him.

 

When the thought crossed my mind it made my stomach knot. Has this emotion really gotten to that level? Do I really love Sesshoumaru? I think I do. But if I do, what do I feel for Miroku?

 

I turned around to gaze at the sleeping Monk. I do love Miroku … just not in that way. He's my logic when my temper flares, he makes me laugh on rough days … he's my best friend. That's his place in my life. Maybe at a different time we could have been more, but as it stands now we are… friends.

 

A heavy sigh escapes me as I turn to face the garden once again only to find Ru hovering right in front of the balcony I was standing on. Startled an undignified `eep' escapes me. When that familiar, yet seldom seen smirk slid across his lips something within me rejoiced. He reaches out for me and I close my eyes and lean forward in anticipation. If I had to be honest with myself I would admit how much I enjoyed his touch; however no one's asking that out of me so I won't go there.

 

The back of Ru's fingers glide across the side of my face and I shiver at the sensation it causes. When I open my eyes I find myself staring into twin pools of molten gold. Speechless and lost in the moment, I'm frozen to the spot.

 

“I'm surprised, yet very grateful, you allowed me to do that,” He said in what most would consider a normal tone. I'm glad; because with the way my senses were acting I wouldn't have been able to hear him if he'd spoken at the usual volume we converse at. He must have realized that something was off with me after he snuck up on me so easily.

 

I brought myself out of my musings and considered his words. Moments later I narrow my eyes at him in confusion.

 

He brought his other hand up so he was effectively cupping my face and said, “I have made so many errors in such a short period of time… I …”

 

As he struggled with his words he looked away from me and if I wasn't mistaken regret washed over his features. I placed my hands over his and smiled at him nervously. It was beyond weird for me to see him like this; so filled with remorse, so unsure of his words and of himself, so … human.

 

“Might it be possible for you to put the fact that I don't deserve it aside and consider offering me forgiveness?”

 

My eyes grew wide at this question. I couldn't believe my ears. He was actually asking me for forgiveness. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. Which ended up being a mistake on my part; he apparently took my continued silence as rejection and turned to leave. My hand darted out, capturing the sleeve of his haori before he could complete the rotation.

 

He regarded me with so much emotion and uncertainty in his eyes my breath caught in my throat. When I was finally able to speak what I said I said in all honesty. “I won't lie and say I haven't been hurt by your words and actions, but that doesn't mean you're past forgiveness Ru. I've had worse done to me that's for sure.”

 

“That misfortune does not make what I have done right, Inuyasha. In a way it merely makes it worse.”

 

Who would have ever thought the great Demon Lord Sesshoumaru could sound dejected? This was not going to be easy for either of us; but I was willing to do everything in my power to make what is happening between us go as smoothly as possible.

 

“Where are you going?” I asked, knowing full well how far removed from the subject that must have seemed to him.

“Out on patrol.” he answered.

“Take me with you.”

“You're still recovering, and …”

“I'll be with you,” I blurted out interrupting his reply and praying that he caught the meaning behind my words. Some of the tension surrounding us dissipated and he smiled at me, and I mean truly smiled at me, for the first time in days.

 

“I hope I prove worthy of your trust, Koi.”

 

I was beaming as I climbed up on the rail of the balcony. I watched in awe as that tell-tale, cloud appeared underneath him. I have seen Jaken traveling with him in this manner several times but I had never done so. When I didn't move he arched an eyebrow at me in query. As I held fast to my position on the rail he said, “Don't worry it will support you, Inuyasha. I will not let you fall again.”

 

With a grin on my face and his promise in my heart, I hopped on the cloud and we were off.

 

* * *

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

When I woke, again I saw him staring out into the distance I had the feeling Lord Sesshoumaru was out there as a focal point. This was soon confirmed by the string of thoughts from Inuyasha that followed.

 

I was surprised to hear the word love slip in there and apparently so was he. I was trying very hard to keep my own thoughts quiet but I think he was so focused he wouldn't have noticed anyway. My heart is breaking but I'm happy for him. If anyone deserves better luck in love it's, Yash. HA! I still can't believe I called him that a moment ago.

 

I have my eyes closed when he turns to look at me and I don't crack them again until he's turned back around. I open them just as he `eeps' from finding Lord Sesshoumaru hovering in front of him. I couldn't help but smile at the noise he made.

 

Sesshoumaru reaches out and caresses his face and his thoughts are all but purring in response.

 

Further conformation he is not meant for me.

 

I feel like I'm intruding even though they both know I'm here. The moment they are sharing just seems so intimate; it makes me a bit uncomfortable to be privy to it. I would get up and leave if I thought that wouldn't be obvious and disruptive. As it stands I'll just lie here and watch.

 

The Demon Lord is now apologizing to Inuyasha and my silver-haired-friend is stunned into silence. His mind is whirling and the stream of thoughts has returned. Inuyasha's silence is apparently misinterpreted by Lord Sesshoumaru and he turns to leave. Before he can Inuyasha grabs onto his Haori.

 

Inuyasha seems to be purposefully lightening the mood and I can hear that he's choosing his words carefully, as well as praying his “Ru” understands the full meaning behind them.

 

Evidently he does.

 

When he climbs up onto the railing of the balcony, I am once again struck by Inuyasha's exquisiteness. He is a sight to behold as his features stand out in stark contrast to the night that surrounds him. Barefoot, with nothing on his chest save for that damnable necklace Kagome refused to remove. He now seems to be contemplating something. It took a lot of willpower for me not to laugh out loud when I realized it's the cloud the Youkai Lord rides on that has him unsure.

 

Apparently, that uncertainty was fleeting because in one fluid motion, he is behind Sesshoumaru and they move into the night sky.

 

As happy as I am for Inuyasha, watching and overhearing that exchange was heart wrenching. I now know there is no chance for me to get my hearts desire.

 

 

* * *

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

I'm standing behind Ru, marveling at the landscape as we float by. I would never tell him but this is one of his abilities I've always envied. I look up to find him staring at me, and there's the slightest upturn at the corners of his mouth and I realize he's amused by my state of awe. I folded my arms across my chest and huffed in response. He said nothing he simply grabbed my hand, guided me in front of him and wrapped his arms around me. This causes some of the tension to drain out of me as I relaxed into his embrace.

 

This side of Ru still amazes me. For someone who comes across so stoic most of the time he can be surprisingly affectionate.

 

Suddenly I felt a small wave of guilt wash over me. I tilted my head so I could look up at him and the amount of sadness in his eyes was overwhelming. He was truly sorry for what he had done. Not that I didn't believe his words his expression just drove it home; and if that wasn't convincing enough I could feel it. When I sense his emotions, they don't come across as strongly as my own but they are definitely-undeniably-there.

 

He looked down and moved in like he was going to kiss me. My eyes started to close on their own accord but right before they did I saw him hesitate and when he did I closed the remainder of the distance between us; finishing what he had begun.

 

What started out so timidly turned passionate and when we parted, we were both a little breathless. Hell, I was trembling like a leaf in the wind. I wanted more but at the moment I didn't think my body could take anymore. My dilemma must have shown on my face because he pulled me close to him and whispered, “Later koi, if you will allow it, we will have a lifetime of moments like this.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Traditionally, sake is served in wooden box cup, known as masu; unlike other containers, it is a standard measurement, which, in metric, would have a maximum volume of 180 ml (6 oz). In the past, the wooden box was said to complement the traditionally brewed sake, as it is brewed in a wooden cask, but in modern times, the masu is shunned by sake purists because the wood affects the flavor of the sake. Nowadays, the sake is typically served in ceramic cups. The cups used for drinking sake are generally small cylindrical vessels called ochoko. Sakazaki are more ceremonial cups used most commonly at weddings and other special occasions.

 

2 Satomi - beautiful and wise