Peace Maker Kurogane Fan Fiction ❯ I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light ❯ The Last Fantasy ( Chapter 2 )

I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light

Chapter 1 The Last Fantasy

“Ichimura are you almost ready to go?” See that was what pissed him off about Susumu. Even though it had been him that had suggested they go into the city to get some sweets for the whole squad, he still had to act like he was doing him some huge favor by gracing him with his presence.

He couldn’t stand people like that, but then again he supposed that Yamazaki was okay. After all he was probably the one person that had gotten him through these last six months still sane. Six months, had it really been that long?

“Yamazaki why do you always have to be such a pain in the ass? This stupid trip was your idea if you remember correctly.” The spy slyly smiled, before reaching out and tugging at one of Tetsu’s cheeks.

“Oh, but how could I resist spending time with such a cute little kid?” Seriously, it was like he tried to piss him off sometimes. After thinking about it for a moment Tetsu realized that that was exactly what he was trying to do.

Well if that was the game, then he might as well play to right? Slapping the hand away, the red head did his best not show the anger that was on his face. “Aw Susumu I didn’t know dressing in drag made the motherly side of you come out.” He tilted his face to the side, trying to keep from laughing. “I guess I should be honored you care.”

This was rewarded with a rather painful slap upside the head, but it was so worth it. “You’re such a brat!” If nothing else at least he succeeded to ruffle the normally emotionless kunoichi’s feathers. “Can we go now, please?” Laughter filled the air as Tetsu forced himself to nod and followed Susumu out of the headquarters and into town.

Truthfully Tetsu hadn’t been out much since the incident at Ikedia inn. In fact he couldn’t even bring himself to leave the nice cozy place of his closet for about a month after that. He had a sneaky suspicion that that was the reason Susumu had dragged him along with him in the first place. He should be happy that someone was taking such concern with him, but honestly it just annoyed the hell out of him.

His eyes searched the streets, alleys, and what he could see of the houses. He would like to say that he didn’t know what he was looking for, that he was just randomly glancing around to see the sights, but he knew better. There was definitely something he was searching for, or rather someone, someone he hadn’t seen since that night.

“You know eventually you’re going to have to tell me what’s really bothering you.” So he had noticed. Though he didn’t really know why he was all that surprised. Susumu was a spy, it was his job to notice these kind of things. He never was a good liar, and he knew that the little bastard could tell when he was, so he opted just to say nothing. Susumu slowed down his pace, almost coming to a complete stop. “How many times have I asked you this Tetsu?”

Oh, so he was going to go that route. Well might as well humor him. A mumbled “A lot” could be heard from the red head who was currently studying his shoes. That a lot, was of course responded with.

“And how many times have you lied to me and told it’s nothing?” He was seriously starting to regret ever having agreed to go on this expedition in the first place.

However much it blowed telling him, he had a feeling that after he did he would at least have it off of his chest. At least if he told someone some of the grief he had been feeling might subside. Oh well, here goes nothing…right? “It’s just…I knew someone that was sorta on the Choshu side.” He timidly said that part, knowing that that would probably be the hardest for Susumu to hear. Sure enough the muscles in his back tightened at the very idea, but he refrained from saying anything. Obviously he was just going to let him talk to see where this would head. “I know he wasn’t at the inn, well I don’t really know that he wasn’t there, but I don’t think he was.” Great he was mumbling. “I don’t know what happened to him!”

Susumu pointed to a bench by a flower garden in the middle of the city, and reluctantly the red head followed to go sit down beside him. Why had he opened his big mouth?…This could only lead to trouble. After a few moments of stone cold silence where all you could hear were the fleeting conversation of the passer-by’s, Susumu broke the stagnant air. “Was this person some kind of friend of yours? Or was he an enemy?”

This was stupid. Why was he talking about this anyways? What could it help to talk about something that had been a current obsession on his part. Although, Susumu was a dignified spy, he might just know his whereabouts. It couldn’t hurt to try at the least. “He was a friend.” Tetsu paused, thinking back to the last time he had actually seen him. His cheeks heated at the very idea. “Well he was sorta more than a friend…” How do you put into words something you don’t even understand yourself? “We were kinda…”

“You were lovers.” Tetsu’s eyes widened to saucers, and he was pretty sure that if he could see his face right now it would match his hair. How could Susumu say something like that so calmly?

Tetsu jumped up from the bench, hastily wiping his arms out in front of him. “No! No! It wasn’t like that! All we did is kiss, I swear!” As soon as the words left his lips he immediately reddened further with embarrassment. His hands flew up to his mouth to effectively stop anything else that he had never wanted anyone to hear from slipping out.

If Susumu was shocked by that current statement he did well in hiding it. In fact for the most part he just looked amused. “Oh, so Tetsunosuke’s got himself a little boyfriend, and a boyfriend on the opposing side at that.” If you could die from embarrassment, he swore he probably would have right then. “No wonder you were so reluctant to tell anyone what was bothering you.”

Tetsu took his still sheathed sword and hit the spy over the head with it. “You bastard! I told you it wasn’t like that, didn’t I?” The spunkiness that he had acquired left him rather quickly, and he sank back into his seat beside his fuming friend. “I’m just really worried about him is all…I miss him.”

Silence, it had claimed the air once again. He didn’t know who he was kidding thinking that he would find comfort in telling him that. Susumu had about as much people skills as a carrot. “What’s his name?” It was whispered so quietly that the red head had to strain to hear.

“Suzu…” The named flowed off his tongue like water, and as it did he felt a longing to see that face. The face that had constantly haunted his dreams ever since that had shared that one little kiss so long ago. Was Suzu dreaming of him? Did he think about that night as often as himself? He slightly shook his head. Suzu had probably forgotten about the entire thing. After all what’s a silly little kiss in comparison to what all he had been through.

He was distracted from his thoughts when Susumu laid his head in his hands. What was he so upset about? Did the name really surprise him all that much. The pale spy looked up at him, and their was deep regret etched into his face. “Would that be Toshimaro Yoshida’s old page.”

“Wow! You know Suzu?….Well of course you would you used to be a spy at the Masuya.” It was then that he let his excitement really get the best of him. But who could blame him, he rarely ever got to talk about Suzu. As a matter of fact he didn’t even think anybody knew he existed except for Tatsu and Saya. “Isn’t he great!? Well sometime he’s great…a lot of the time he’s a really big bastard though. But you’re a bastard too, so the you guys should get along great.”

Oh he didn’t seem head over heels or anything…note the extreme sarcasm in his voice, or if you really want to be technical, thoughts. “Suzu Yamatoya was nothing more than Yoshida’s lackey Tetsu, and I’m sure he’s not to be trusted.”

He really wanted to hit Susumu right there, but hitting really wouldn’t accomplish anything, and he needed answers. He settled for just yelling instead. “You’re wrong! Suzu’s not like that at all.” Tetsu looked the other way, crossing his arms over his chest as he did so. “And it shows how much you know about him…his last name’s Kitamura, not Yamatoya.”

In truth he didn’t know why he was being so defensive. It was just he didn’t like him talking about Suzu that way. Nobody knew the pale haired boy like he did, and he was sure that he wasn’t just some lackey that wasn’t to be trusted. It was kind of funny when he thought about it. They had only seen each other four times, and the third time Suzu had almost tried to kill him. In all actuality he knew nothing about him, but what he did know he would try to protect. He owed Suzu that much.

A scoff could be heard from Susumu, and reluctantly Tetsu looked back over to his friend. He kinda felt bad for yelling at him now, but it’s not like he could take it back. “You really don’t know anything, do you pup?” Now he was aware that pretty much everybody in the Shinsengumi called him puppy, but it still pissed him off. “His name used to be Kitamura, that is until he was adopted by Yamatoya sama, and took on his name instead.”

“He was adopted?” Wait, did that mean?… “Suzu’s still alive!?” He was rewarded with another scoff, but this time Susumu’s eyes weren’t near as harsh.

“You’re a quick one aren’t you kid?” Tetsu narrowed his eyes. Now did he have to be such a jerk? The red head had been around him so long that he just thought his little quips were habit by now. That still didn’t make it any less annoying though. “Yes he’s alive, and as I said is now living at the Yamatoya residence…I’m assuming you’ve heard of them.”

Why did everyone always think he was so stupid? “Of course I’ve heard of them. Everyone in business has to deal with the Yamatoya’s sooner or later.” His thoughts traveled inwards as he let all that information sink in. “So he’s got a family now…I’m glad.” A small smile graced his lips as he imagined Suzu with a loving family. Was he happy now? “I hope I get to see him soon.”

When he saw Susumu’s hand tighten into a fist he was effectively brought out of his dream land. What was wrong with Yamazaki? “Tetsu I don’t think that that is such a good idea.”

What did he mean it wasn’t a good idea? He was finally going to get to see Suzu again, and he was being told no. “Why not? Why can’t I see him?”

“Lots of reasons you brat.” He had started out harsh, but his voice soon lost its edgy tone. “For one being adopted by the Yamatoya doesn’t mean a lovey dovey family like you’re probably thinking, and for the other…” He paused here, probably just trying to be an asshole again and drag the suspense out. “Yamatoya sama was killed last week…They suspect foul play.”

“What are you trying to protect me or something? Do you think the murderer will try to come after Suzu…Is that why you want me to stay away?” Susumu looked the either way, and at that the red head felt his temper flare. “Well is it!?”

When Susumu looked back his eyes were so cold they sent shivers down your spine. “No Tetsu, I want you to stay away because I think Suzu is the murderer.” It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

This wasn’t real. This couldn’t be possible. Susumu was just messing with him, just like he always did. He was just trying to get his temper to flare, but it wouldn’t work. He wouldn’t let himself get upset over such blatant lies. Without realizing it he had once again gotten to his feet, slowly backing away from that hateful bench. Suzu couldn’t really have done that, could he?

Pictures of that same smiling face that he could never get out of his head once again flashed in front of his vision, and he knew it had to be a lie. “Liar!” How could he say something like that? Wasn’t he supposed to be his friend?

“Ichimura calm down.” Fuck that!

“No!” He had quickened his retreat. “You’re a liar! Suzu would never do that…He wouldn’t kill anyone.” His head was hastily shaking back and forth. “You don’t know him…You don’t know him like I do.” Tears were springing to his eyes, but he didn’t even try to hide them.

Susumu had by this point also got up from the bench, and through blurry eyes Tetsu saw him walking towards him. “Tetsunosuke get a hold of yourself.” The voice was harsh, but the red head could care less at this point. “The kid has snapped. His master was killed, and then he was forced to be that perverted man’s sex slave…It’s probably a good thing he killed him!”

Tetsu’s hands flew to his ears, trying his best to block out those horrible lies. “No! I don’t want to hear this. Shut up…Shut up!” He couldn’t listen to this anymore. This wasn’t real, this had to be some trick. Not being able to take it anymore, Tetsu turn and ran. He ran for so long that he didn’t even know where he was anymore. He ran until his muscles ached and his veins pumped battery acid, and then he ran some more. The weird thing is is that they had completely forgotten to buy those sweets that they had come for in the first place…Oh well, he was sure they would get over it.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He didn’t know how long he had been running, but when he looked up to catch his breath he was in some kind of woods. He was sort of reminded of when he had chased Suzu, and they had ended up getting lost. Did that mean he was lost? Well the definition of being lost is that you don’t know where you are, and he certainly had no idea, so he thought it was safe to say that he was.

Though the strange thing was was that the area didn’t seem all the unfamiliar. It was like he had been there before. His eyes widened when he realized just when he had been to this place. This was where him and Suzu had gotten lost at…He was sure of it.

If this was that place, then the bank by the river that he had stumbled upon by rolling down the hill should be right around here. Sure enough no sooner had he headed down the hill, then the crisp blue waters of the Yodo river could be seen. That however wasn’t the only thing he saw.

White hair could be seen blowing in the wind as its owner sat on the base of the river bed, just letting his feet dangle into the cool water. Suzu was here…He had found him! What luck did he have that in his most desperate hour to see the boy he would just be sitting there? The better question was why did it matter? He had found him right, so why was he debating the reason why he was there?

Tetsu ran at a full out sprint, much to emotional to actually think about what he was doing. Suzu just caught sight of the fiery red head, and he saw his eyes widen in surprise, but by that time it was already too late. A running leap Tetsu sprang forward, knocking the shocked boy backwards and landing on his stomach.

If he had even a little bit of control of his emotions at the time he probably never would have done it, but since he didn’t, he began laying kiss after kiss all over the pale haired boy’s face. The kisses started to increasingly wet tear droplets fell from his eyes, covering the face underneath him in wetness. The strange part was is that through all of the kisses he had yet to hit the mouth. When he finally did though it was like fireworks. He had never known what that expression meant, but he had heard Shinpachi saying. Now though it made total sense. Kissing Suzu just felt that right.

He harshly massaged the mouth underneath him, at the time not bothering to notice that Suzu wasn’t kissing back. It didn’t matter then, all that seemed to matter is that he had found who he had been looking for. What else possibly could override that?

His hands traveled to that whitish silver hair that he loved so much, taking in fistfuls of it and pulling Suzu closer. After what seem like an eternity a hand came up to his own hair, and another wrapped around his waist. But it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, because the hand in his hair used its leverage to pull him away.

Suzu sat up, taking Tetsu with him so that he was now straddling his waist. It was then that he noticed just how different the white haired boy seemed to look. He looked older for one, and his eyes didn’t sparkle like they used to. No, they seemed lifeless almost, as if he was dead inside. “That’s quite a hello Tetsu…and here I didn’t know you missed me that bad.” The voice was cynical, and sounded almost as lifeless as his eyes looked.

“What are you kidding me, of course I missed you!” Tetsu ran his hands through white hair, as if by touching Suzu he could prove that he was really there. “I didn’t know if you were alive or dead…You just disappeared and…” He didn’t really know what he was going to say, but it hardly mattered. Suzu interrupted him before he had the chance to say a thing.

“Oh come on Tets…It hasn’t really been that long. Besides that was quite a welcome regardless of how long it’s been.” Why was he being like this? He never talked to him like this, usually he just playfully called him a brat or told him was stupid. He never before had sounded so annoyed just to be in his very presence.

Tetsu laid his head on the boy’s chest, just listening to see if his heart was still beating. He always found that listening to someone else’s heart beat helped to calm you down when you were upset, and it seemed to work here as well. “Suzu that night…when you kissed me…” He felt the body he was laying on stiffen, but he kept his head right where it was at. “I didn’t know what to feel, but since that day you’ve never been far from my thoughts…In fact you’re really all I ever think about.”

The red head looked up to see what kind of reaction his statement had caused, and was surprised to see such anger in his normally good natured face. In fact he was so surprised that he backed off of the lap altogether, scooting in the dirt away from the person he cared for so much. “Don’t talk to me of that night Tetsu.” His voice was like ice. “I have no good memories of that night…including kissing you.”

Those words stung more than he thought they would. “How can you say that…I thought that we…” He was once interrupted.

“You though that what, we could run away together and liver happily ever after because we were so in love?” He scoffed. “Don’t make me laugh Tetsu…Life isn’t a fairytale, and even if it was you ruined any chance we ever had to be happy.”

“I ruined it?…How did I ruin it? You were the one that disappeared for six months!” He couldn’t help the accusation in his voice. How could Suzu say that to him? How could he say that to him knowing how he feels?

Suzu’s dead eyes flared with anger, and his tone was bitterly harsh. “Yes, but you were the one that cut my master’s head off!” His eyes narrowed to slits. “How could I ever care for you after did something like that? You Mibu wolf!” His eyes widened at that. How did Suzu know he was in the Shinsengumi? “Oh Tets, don’t look so surprised. I saw you that night.” Suzu’s hand shot out to cup his cheek. “I saw what you and that other Wolf of Mibu did to my master, and believe me you will pay.” As he was saying that his ridiculously long nails scraped across his face, leaving bleeding fingernail marks all across his cheek.

His hand flew up to cover his now mangled face. Was Susumu right, had Suzu really snapped? Of course he couldn’t blame him for wanting him dead, but still. “Suzu he was going to kill me…If Mr. Okita had stepped in he probably would have.”

“Then you should have died!” Tetsu’s eyes widened at the boy’s angry outburst. “You should have died rather than my master. It should have been your rotting corpse just left there in the street!”

Hurt tears fell down his face, but he didn’t even think he had the will to wipe them away. “Susumu was right…You’ve changed.”

Suzu looked the other way, and in a much calmer voice said. “If I’ve changed it is only because you forced me to do so.” When he looked back his face held a much calmer look to it. “I gave up everything to protect you, and you stabbed me in the back.” His head shook back and forth. “But that won’t happen now. I won’t allow myself to care for anyone so deeply again.” Suzu’s hand reached out to run through his red mane. “You’re dead to me now Tetsu. If you come around me again I will have no choice but to make you suffer as much as you made me.”

With the said Suzu pushed himself to his feet and started to walk up the river back. Not once did he so much glance back at the sobbing red head he had left on the ground. Tetsu’s head fell to the sand when he could no longer see the silver haired boy’s outline, and just like that any fantasies about happy endings he might have had were effectively shattered.

,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.

A.N- Damn was that depressing. But hey it had to be done. I don’t know I don’t think I’m very good at writing insane Suzu. What do you guys think, was he in character? Well chapter two was kind of short, but I promise you a longer chapter next time, and hopefully one that’s much less depressing. I have a feeling that this story is going to get very dark before the end. But anyways please let me know what you think…It doesn’t matter what it is, I’d still like to hear from you, and I promise to have the next update out as soon as I can. Thanks for reading.