Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Forbidden Love ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: We do not own the Troopers they are the sole property of their creators and what not. This is an Alternate Universe story so please be aware that Characters may and will be Out of Character.
Warning: Yaoi contained within. How graphic it gets depends solely on the writers themselves. If you have a problem with men loving men then we suggest that you hit your back button NOW! Otherwise, enjoy! ^_^

Forbidden Love
By Life the Fay with help from Wildefyre

Chapter Three

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"I hope you know Celeste that this isn't comfortable! I'm still wondering how ladies wear these things!" Touma grumbled as Celeste tightened the kimono, adding in the padding to make his frame appear straighter with no curves. "Please refresh my memory! Why I'm doing this again?"

"For your own safety Touma that's why! Besides, you look so pretty in a kimono! You need to wear one more often. Men do wear them you know... Though not ones like this since this is a girl`s kimono." She giggled, looking at her younger brother. There he stood in a ladies midnight blue kimono embroidered with Sakura blossoms over it. Touma sighed in defeat and reached up to pull his hair back into a bun. Looking into the mirror, he had to admit one thing, he certainly did look like a lady. Smiling to herself, Celeste looked over her shoulder to her husband who had been standing there and watching the whole scene. "What do you think Shu?"

Shu looked over to his wife and his brother-in-law, about ready to crack up into fits of laughter. "Do you really want me to say anything honey?" His eyes sparkled; this certainly had to be the wildest scheme his wife had ever cooked up.

She sighed, turning back to Touma. "Forget it! At least I'm making him a more presentable server and not one of the pleasure wenches you have running around! Now Touma, I believe that you may be cut out to be a wonderful server for tonight. This is your first time so act like you know a little something about it... And above all! Act like a lady! That means no swearing or trying to start fights and do keep the flirting down to a minimum, please?" Celeste giggled over the look her brother gave her. "Now, if someone says something, smile and say that you're my cousin and that you needed a job so you got one here and that it is your first time. Got it?"

Ryo came in looking toward Celeste. "Does that mean Hashiba-san is going to be talking like a girl?" Tiger blue eyes gleamed with mischief. "After all it won't work if she... I mean he, talks like the rogue that he is." Ryo ducked, narrowly missing the hairbrush that had been aimed at his head. "Missed me!" He smirked.

"Gee I hadn't thought of that. I'm hoping anyway. Can you Touma? Talk more feminine I mean? Please say that you can." She begged, her eyes pleading for him to cooperate even though in his eyes she saw the defiance.

"Uh can I just be a bartender instead? I can do that... I know that I can." Touma pointed out noticing the rolling of his sister's eyes. "What? Is something wrong with that?"

"You did that the last time and you messed up everyone's drinks! Not that pouring sake or whiskey is hard but you sent the other servers out with the wrong orders. I don't really think that you can handle that again. Besides, I previously have a bartender by the name of Ryo Sanada. Let's just go for the server for now. Mainly for the simple reason that I really need one of those more okay?"

Touma glared at her, giving his best girly voice by saying, "okay," before leaving Shu and Celeste's room. Walking down to the dinning area, Touma sat down on a bench putting his elbow on the table. `How am I going to live through this tonight? It's gonna take all I got that's for sure but how am I going to leave Shin here without him noticing?' He thought to himself, not noticing a blond coming over to him and smiling.

"Excuse me madam but do you know where Celeste Rei Faun is at this moment?" The blond asked softly.

Touma's head shot up over the voice and he glanced at him. Remembering to speak like a female, Touma responded. "I know where she is but she's busy at the moment. May I have your name please and I`ll let her know who`s looking for her?" Touma glanced now face to face with the blond, studying him a little more thoroughly. `What a hottie! I wonder why he wants my sister though?'

"Date Seiji is my name madam. Do you know how long she's going to be?" Seiji asked looking into the lady's indigo eyes. `Odd? They look somewhat like Hashiba Touma's.'

"Well, Seiji, she's working in the back with the new bartender. And the bartender is a klutz so it is going to take a little while." Assumed, Touma acted quite lady like as he fiddled with her kimono.

The blond thought for a moment and shrugged. "Very well then. Could I sit here for awhile?"

"Be my guest. It's not like I bite or anything." He joked, scooting over a little ways. `Oh wait! On second thought I do bite but only hot looking males... I wonder if he...? No don`t even think about it Hashiba, not unless you want your big sister nailing your butt to the wall.'

"So you must be new here. I don't recall seeing you before." Seiji looked at her and smiled. `She is pretty... I wonder what lies under that kimono? I hope it's a body as lovely as the face it's attached to.'

Touma giggled lightly hoping that the blond didn't notice him pulling on the dagger lightly that was attached to his forearm just up inside the wide sleeve of his kimono while another was hidden against his thigh, held there by a dark blue garter. If the blond discovered who he really was, Touma was not about to go down without a fight. "Well, I just arrived a few days ago and in need of a job. I'm starting my work tonight as a server." Touma sighed dramatically, scooting closer to Seiji. "It's wonderful to have a cousin like Celeste at times. She just cares so much about her family you know?"

Seiji nodded in agreement. "So you're related to Celeste huh? I guess that means that you're also related to Touma. Correct?"

`Oh, so you're the bounty hunter eh? My, this may be even more fun than I thought that it would.' Touma thought as he gasped and then covered his face. "Alas, I am related to that wretched Hashiba Touma! With the way the rumors tell of him, I would rather die than say that I have ever known or loved him! It's such a shame too! The more you think that he can't stoop any lower lo and behold, he does!" Uncovering his face to see the blonde's eyes Touma nearly lost his control of the laughter he was trying to hold in. He then wondered about how Seiji obtained such closely guarded secrets. "How do you know about Celeste and I being related to Hashiba-san? We've kept that to each other for years. Neither of us has ever told a living soul! We`ve managed to keep that a secret within the family... Mainly out of embarrassment."

"Let's just say that I have my resources lady and that I trust them to be accurate. From the way you talk of him I get the feeling that you really don't like speaking about him therefore I assume that you would decline to answer any questions that I may have pertaining to Hashiba-san?" Seiji flashed one of his charm winning smiles at Touma, whom Seiji thought was a woman. "Am I correct in that assumption?"

"Y-You would but I do have some very good reasons. Gomen Seiji but I have never really known Touma other then from stories told to me about him and the rumors of course. I'm terribly sorry about that. If I could, I would answer your questions since I am a law-abiding citizen." Getting up from where he sat, Touma looked back at Seiji, smiling innocently. "Would you like a drink Seiji?"

"No thank you. I would like to be sober by the time Celeste gets here. I would love to know your name though. Just so that I can stop by later on tonight and ask for you, without having to describe you until someone figures out who you are. Maybe we can take a walk when you're finish with your work and get to know each other a little better?" Seiji asked, noticing how the midnight blue of her/ his eyes changed from what they were to a more shocking blue look.

`Shit! What's my name? Shit! Shit! Shit! Scratch that shit now! Think of a name Touma or be fried by your older sister! I like the name better than the other choice!' The archer kept thinking to himself before smiling. "My name? Uh... My name is... Excuse me but I hear my sis... My cousin calling for me! Gomen... Seiji!" With that said, Touma dashed into the kitchen, stopping in front of Celeste and looking frantic beyond words. `Screw up number one, Hashiba-san! You can't afford many of those bakayaro!'

"Touma what's wrong? You look like you're ready to have a melt down! What happened out there?" Celeste asked, concerned now.

"What's my name again? I mean my girl name... I forgot!" Touma asked, waiting for the rant to come.

"Bakayaro! Your name is..." Celeste began but stopped, it took Touma only a moment to realize why. "Seiji! It's nice to see you again. Sorry for the delay" Celeste spoke nervously and Touma swallowed hard. `Great! I just hope he didn't hear any of that. Screw up number two!'

"Gomen for bothering you but I have another appointment and I really needed to speak with you before then." Seiji bowed politely.

"Oh well... You'll have to excuse me but between showing Keiko around and Ryo being just so hard to train... Plus we also have another person to teach a few things about this kitchen to all before the dinner rush. So as you can see, it's kind of hectic around here at the moment." Celeste said smiling at the blond. "Aren't you a wee bit early Seiji? I thought that we had set a meeting up for tonight."

"Gomen Celeste but like I said, I have another appointment plus I could be busy with other things this evening." Seiji apologized as he stared at Touma. "Keiko huh? Pretty name for a pretty lady." Winking, Seiji watched the two glance at each other.

"Well if you could give me a moment to give some instructions to my cousin here, I'll join you in the dinning area in a few minutes." Celeste smiled nervously, hoping to get rid of the blond long enough to have a talk with her risk taking brother.

"Sounds good. See ya later... Keiko." Seiji smiled one more time before exiting the kitchen. Once Celeste was sure that Seiji was out of earshot, she turned to her brother, glaring at him.

"Are you nuts? The man wants to kill you and there you are, flirting with him! What the hell were you thinking?" Her face reddened in anger.

"I was thinking that he's one hot looking man... You know me sis. I see, I conquer, I enjoy... The enjoy part is the best part." Touma grinned.

"ARRRRGGGGHHHH! You're impossible!" Celeste threw her hands into the air. "When are you going to learn? Dammit Touma! You take that kimono off and I`ll be dressing you in a burial one! Baka!"

"Hey I live for the moment... What can I say?" Touma chuckled and then winced when Celeste growled and slammed a pot on the stove before walking out of the kitchen, not bothering to say another word. "Hmmm? I wonder what has her so steamed?" Grabbing an apple from a bowl, Touma walked over to the doorway, hoping to hear what Seiji and his sister had to talk about.

For now he'd have fun. As cute as Seiji was though, if he had to kill Seiji to save his own neck, then he would. "Easy come, easy go I guess." Smiling, Touma settled in on a chair, waiting for the show to start.

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Touma sighed, taking one last glance at the auburn haired man on the bed and then smiled softly. Even though he hated what he was about to do, he knew that it was for the best. Shin deserved better and hanging with an outlaw wasn't cutting it. "Good-bye my friend. May you find your happiness here with someone who will treat you right. With me you`d only find heartache and sorrow." Touma whispered, feeling a little guilty for putting that sleeping powder into Shin's tea just for him to stay asleep while he packed up his things and left.

Walking down the stairs quietly, Touma reached the dinning area and put a small letter on the counter, hoping that it would go to his sister rather than to that bounty hunter, like the other time. Sliding the door opened Touma was just about to step outside when a noise from behind caused him to freeze in his spot. Turning around, he spotted Celeste who looked none too pleased.

"So, just as I thought the great Hashiba Touma is about to leave his older sister once again. I presume it's to go and steal a few more things? Or maybe cut a few throats? Or rape some young man too naive to see the evil in you?" Celeste walked closer to her younger sibling, embracing him with one of her hugs. "Bakayaro! I want to hate you but I can't! I love you no matter how much you tear my heart apart!" Celeste brushed her fingers into the almost identical hair of her brother`s.

"It's best that I don't answer that question. You may not like my answers." Touma responded, hugging his sister back.

"That's what I figured. Very well then, I'll let you go this time but trust me... Next time you're staying here! You'd better keep in touch and more often!" Celeste reprimanded Touma, giving him a cold hard stare to emphasize her point.

"I will make every effort to do as such. But like always, if you hear nothing, than chances are, I have met my demise." Touma wasn't about to mince words at the moment, no matter how much he hated saying that to her.

"So help me Touma..." Celeste sighed. It was pointless to argue especially when she knew that Touma was right. "I have a horse all ready for you. He's in the last stable at the right. A black stallion named Midnight. Take good care of him you hear?"

"Thanks Celeste. I owe you one. I will do my best little sis." Touma smiled, kissing her cheek before leaving the warm embrace. "You take care of yourself sis. I love you. Never forget that."

"Me?! I have been taking care of myself for years young man! Unlike someone else I know." Celeste scolded, trying her best not to laugh at the face before her. "Now get going you baka before you do get caught. And remember that I love you as well."

"Hey I'm still alive ne?" Touma smirked. "Now if you would excuse me... I have some running to do." Touma remarked with an arrogance that Celeste was all too familiar with. Walking out of the Inn, Touma stepped out into the midnight air, taking a deep breath and then looking up at the sky. `Guide me, my friends. Help me to make it through another night.'

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Touma didn't see the violet eyes as they stared through the window from above, watching the figure walking into the stable. Leaning on the windowsill, Seiji sighed, his thoughts going back to earlier and the walk he had taken with the young woman, Keiko. The whole thing had seemed strange and Seiji found himself thinking that a lot of the time Keiko acted more like a guy than a girl at times. Her walk, sometimes it was graceful and other times, she walked like man. Her mannerisms were more of the male variety than those of someone more feminine. Not only that but at times, Keiko's voice would all of a sudden go very low, sounding more male than female. Of course, Keiko explained it away by tell Seiji that she was catching a cold.

Looking back out the window, Seiji couldn't believe his eyes. There in the moonlight stood a boy of about sixteen with blue hair, a strong mount by his side. Blinking a few times, Seiji stared some more, trying to get it all to register in his mind. `That can't be Touma, can it?' Seiji thought, staring at the form in disbelief. Taking out photo he carried of the man, Seiji stared at it and then at the boy down below. Just then, the figure turned his head as though he was looking right at Seiji. "Dammit! It is Touma! That hair and those eyes... I have stared at this photo so many times... I know that`s him!" Seiji stood there, shocked over his verdict. "Shimatta!"

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Touma looked over his shoulder, feeling as though he were being watched. The shiver that ran down his spine told him as much. Checking his surroundings carefully, Touma sighed when not a soul was to be seen. `No one's here, you goof! You`re just being paranoid. Celeste has you spooked that's all.' Walking the horse a little farther, Touma couldn't help but look behind him yet again. This time, he did notice something. Standing just a few feet from him, a pair of violet eyes stared right at him, making him cringe. Squinting his eyes, Touma noticed the locks of blond hair, shimmering in the moonlight. "Kuso!" Was all Touma could think of as he gracefully jumped onto the horse with a practiced ease and broke into a canter before taking the steed into a full gallop and vanishing from sight.

Seiji merely stood there, grinning. "Well well, seems like Miss Keiko and Hashiba Touma are either twins or one and the same? I venture to guess the latter." Placing two fingers between his lips, Seiji gave a whistled, smiling when a white stallion came into view. "Let's go White Thunder, we have a criminal to catch." Just like Touma, Seiji mounted his steed with ease and broke into a full gallop, heading in the direction that Touma had just vanished into.

`You can run Hashiba Touma, but you can't hide forever. I always get my man and you, my sweet, are no exception.'

~ TBC ~

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A/N: And now this chapter is done. Sorry for the delay. It was my fault this time because I was late on getting this to Wildefyre. And for those of you who don't know what a canter is, it is like a slow run for horses if I remember right. Don't forget to leave a review kudasai!

Wildefyre: Just a quick note to say that LTF is correct. A canter is a slow run. My daughter takes Horseback-riding lessons so I asked her. Oh and the lateness of this isn't all LTF's fault. I got behind as well. Sorry about that.