Background Stories
Backstage Actors
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note:
story is an attempt to draw some kind of a background story for parts of X’s
characters
lives that Clamp did not light for us. It is not a statement but a mere
opinion.
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thanks:
commented on the
Arashi chapter on my Lj and to Iwannasleep
from FF.net (thank you! I did write a Sei-Sei chapter
but pulled it out. I will write another, better one soon)
many great thanks to my beta Cait who paints my
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Takamura Suoh and Akira
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“The stars have changed their positions; they are in
motion to show us a new future….
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Fates are reorganized and sealed, many lives will
end…..or change forever…..
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“The fate of our planet Earth
hangs in the balance; will it be destroyed or
will we be the ones to perish? ….
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“The pieces are moving as warriors of both sides are
already brandishing their weapons…..
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Dragons of Heaven….
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Dragons of Earth……"
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Papers flew into the air with a burst, soaring high in
the cosy room before falling down to the bed with large swinging arches or wild
spinning flips.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> We won’t have a single spare moment to throw
a party!” the young man who spoke so far, the one who
threw the papers in the air, wailed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The other young man sighed and turned his back to the
speaker, “Is that all you can think about in
that context Kaicho?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Suooooooh, don’t call me
wiggled himself nearer to Suoh and wrapped an arm
around the bigger man’s waist.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I will call you ‘Kaicho’
whenever you’ll act like a third grader,”
resilient golden eyes turned to childish sapphire ones, daring them to a stare
down competition.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> buried his face in Suoh’s
pillow and pouted.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> turned his head forward again and sighed,
exasperated. Since they’ve grown this close he found the blond’s
pouts were irresistible. But this is a very serious matter and his personal
emotions should have nothing to do with his judgment over next year’s events.
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> nuzzled the small valley between Suoh’s
powerful shoulder blades, inhaling the man’s scent and smiling happily. He
wrapped his arm tighter around the muscular waist.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> ran his finger idly across his lover’s palm all the
way up to the elbow where the rest of the arm disappeared behind his back.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We will be accommodating the Dragons of Heaven?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Yes, well, some of them anyway.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Oh?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Two of them are adults with apartments of their own
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I see.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“One of them is a family man….he has a little girl,
she’ll be in kindergarten next year.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Perhaps we should offer her a place in next year’s
class?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Hmm….I’m afraid the classes
are organized and sealed already.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Can’t we make room for her?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“You’re right.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Convinced of his chairman’s renewed serious mood,
to face him. He smiled softly and planted a kiss on that sweet little button
nose.
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> closed his eyes and titled his head backwards a
little, asking for a deeper kiss.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> sighed inwardly; his chairman was such a spoiled
little thing. He was like a kitten; curling up to you and acting cutely to make
you pet him some more.
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“And the Dragons of Heaven who will be living
here?
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Five….no, four….I think….it depends
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Depends?!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Well there’s one in university age but he has an
apartment of his own already so I don’t know if he’ll be living here or not
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We’ll offer him residence anyway
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> nodded and snuggled up closer to Suoh,
rubbing against his lover’s body seductively.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Kaicho…..not now
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> whimpered and manoeuvred himself some more.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Don’t complain Kaicho,
you’re the one who brought up the subject in bed.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Well I had to go over paperwork didn’t I? And what
other time was I left with but in bed?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“If you would have done your paperwork in time instead
of lingering around to make sure the café goes through the right
re-designing, and if you wouldn’t insist on going over the plans for the Salad
Bowl’s new gardening scheme you wouldn’t need to go over this in bed!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The idea behind Nokoru’s
light-headed behaviour sunk in fully enough to anger the blue haired man. He
sat up and glared down at the blond beneath him.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“This is a very important topic Kaicho,
why, the fate of humanity is at stake here! Look at all the papers, look how
they’re scattered and messy! How are we supposed to take this seriously with
such a bad start?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>, pouting and halfway in the pillow again, stared up
at him like an abused puppy. He was still clinging to Suoh’s
side.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Do you think this is another case of a lady in
distress?! Do you think it’s just a silly missing file about a meeting next
week?! This is for the sake of humanity, it’ll decide if we’ll stay
alive next year or not! Why can’t you get it into your
head?!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> let go of his lover and rolled to lie on his stomach,
hugging the pillow and burying his chin into it.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“It’s not like we’re doing anything important really
childish and silly.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> blinked at his lover’s exposed back.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“W-what do you mean?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We’re just here to give them a place to live aren’t
we?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We….we’ll put them into classes too
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> shot him a withering glare across his naked shoulder
and turned his face to the pillow again.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“The heart of the divine protection!
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> We keep the holy sword within our campus
that as something unimportant.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Bah! All we really do is supply electricity to that
damned facility; the rest is done by everyone else, isn’t it?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“…Nokoru…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We never get to do the fun stuff do we? We never do
anything of real value like fighting or the saving of lives or anything
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>There was something very grave and important amongst
the papers he gave Nokoru today
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> began fishing for the papers across the bed. When he
couldn’t find what he wanted on the bed itself he began searching on the floor
and under the huge, fancy, overused bed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> followed him with his eyes and allowed a cunning
smile to break through his foul mood.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“You’re a very handsome man,
Suoh”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The bodyguard, who was squatting on the floor
gathering lost papers in the nude, glared at the blond so hard
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>His golden eyes expanded in horror as he spotted the
paper he was looking for, half buried under their nightstand. The discarded
Jell-O tube dripped on it idly. Suoh stifled a
panicked whimper.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>He snatched the page from under the slow current and
began wiping it with the sheet’s edge.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Great, absolutely brilliant” he hissed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Hmn?”
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> shook the half drenched paper before his lover’s eyes
“We have a meeting with Magami-san, where we’ll be
reviewing and discussing all the issues in these papers and what do we do with
them? Look! Just look at this!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> wiggled to sit up, drawing his knees under his chin
lazily.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Can you imagine the meeting tomorrow?!”
giggle inwardly at how his voice became an
“’I see you’ve brought all the papers I faxed you yesterday boys, but what’s
this? Where’s the health issue papers?’
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“‘Oh we’re sorry Magami-san,
but it’s not here because, well you see…we dripped lubricant all over it
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> burst out laughing under his lover’s intense angry
glare.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“It’s not funny, Kaicho
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>But Nokoru wouldn’t stop
ten minutes later when he noticed just how pissed off Suoh
was.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> stared at the blond in silence until he was
absolutely sure the man was in a
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>He took a deep breath and gathered the other man into
his arms, bringing the now dry patch of papers to his view.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“This one discusses the health and healing services we
are to provide the Dragons of Heaven.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“There’s a different page for that?!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Yes…..” Suoh’s voice was
uncharacteristically low, “It appears they
will need very heavy healing, our little hospital’s current equipment and staff
will not do.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru’s
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> eyes met Suoh’s
hospital is the best in Tokyo, maybe in the whole of Japan….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“According to Magami-san’s
demands it’s not good enough.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> exhaled half a giggle, insulted
back from the dead?!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“It appears the hospital will be doing almost that…..”
Suoh’s silence meant the subject was not to be
doubted, that they had no word in it.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“…..What are they asking for?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“More experienced staff on the E.R, bigger surgery
staff, better trained nurses….oh…and a small army of physiotherapists….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> blinked in shock. When he stopped there was fear in
his eyes, “Suoh…” he
whispered, unable to say the words in any louder a tone,
“What are we going to accommodate? What will they be doing to those kids?!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> stared back, just as alarmed and grave. He embraced
his lover, feeling the body in his arms shudder.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“This is serious….Suoh…..”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Yes….it is…..”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Why?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Why is it serious!? I thought we already covered the
whole ‘fate of humanity in the balance’ subject.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“No….I mean why those children? Why would they be in
need of such heavy healing?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> couldn’t find an answer to that. He tightened his
embrace.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“One of them is only fourteen years old…..the other
kids we’ll accommodate aren’t even old enough to drink…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I don’t know Nokoru, fate
is cruel.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“It is, isn’t it?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Nokoru….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Hmmn?”
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“We’ll be needing a
counsellor.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Why?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Because there are going to be earthquakes all over
the city and….well….families of our other students….I mean…..”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“They might be hurt…..”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Exactly…..”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Oh shit.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Nokoru!”
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“What? You think you’re the only one manly enough to
use such words?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I thought you were the only one noble enough to not
use them.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Well think again. I found nothing better to describe
the situation….well….except for ‘FUBAR'
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“’FUBAR’….?!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Fucked Up Beyond All
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“……’FUBAR’ it is then….you know
too much Nokoru,”
around them.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>His lover sighed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“It’s going to be a tough year, 1999.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“…..Yes.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Many people will be hurt.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“….I suppose…it’s inevitable
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Many people will die.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“…….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“And many will grieve……”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“…..Nokoru
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Suoh,” the fear was so deep in those bright blue eyes that, gazing
into them, Suoh’s heart twitched. The arms that
encircled his body grew tighter, the fingers clawed at him desperately.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Suoh….don’t leave campus
grounds next year,” tears spilled down
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> kissed them one by one, kissing his lovers’ eyes shut
as well.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I won’t, I promise.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“1999 will be a very tough year, a sad, bloody,
horrid, grave year.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Yes….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“All the more reason to throw as many parties as
possible!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“KAICHO!”
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>*********************
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The three old friends met half an hour before their
original meeting’s time with Magami Tokiko so they
since the last time they spoke.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Sat in the campus’ Café Terrace, they found a
secluded spot where they could enjoy a nice relaxed atmosphere and not be heard
by too many people once Tokiko joined them.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>As he walked towards their table, Suoh
and Nokoru scanned Akira’s approaching figure.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Is it just me or did he gain weight?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“It seems he did. I think he’s growing a small belly”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Beer belly?”
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Good home cooking of a devoted wife belly
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“…….I can see you’ve never eaten anything
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“She only brings us cakes and cookies and they seem
extremely sweet so, no, I don’t get the chance to eat anything she cooks….why?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> giggled. “Let’s
just say that if he had only her home cooking to eat he’d starve to death by
now. Or die of food poisoning.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I see….his own home cooking belly?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I think he’s gaining weight with the delight of marri
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“You lose weight from that,
Nokoru. You burn energy when you’re doing that, if I
may remind you.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> leaned towards Suoh,
looking seductive. “Well I’m not the one
doing much, so I guess I wouldn’t know
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> blushed so hard it plunged deep beyond his collar and
past his shoulders. His neat navy blue suit hid it,
though. Knowing the ninja’s body well enough, Nokoru
knew exactly how low it went.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Ah, so easy to fluster by mentioning matters of the
heart in public; you’re so sweet
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“He’s practically here Kaicho,
enough of that!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Aw, I didn’t deserve a ‘kaicho’
now!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Hey you guys! What’s up?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Akira was greeted by a double-voiced
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>When they realized they said the same thing together
they stared at each other and blushed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“The two of you are so cute!” the youngest man chirped
and took off his jacket, hung it on his chair and sat down.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>A pair of golden eyes stared at Akira, twitching with
terror. A pair of blue eyes stared at him in amazement.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“You….uh….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Akira folded his arms on his chest “Oh
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Please refer to me as ‘Nokoru’,
it’s high time you got
used to it.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The young man blushed and looked away.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Noting that
shock, Nokoru beamed a smile at Akira
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Oh Utako-san’s great! She’s
wonderful; as usual that is...tee hee
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I heard she was feeling a bit faint lately, all weak
and…nauseous… do you have something to tell us Akira-kun?” the blond nudged the
man next to him.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Akira stared at him vacantly,
“….Yeah, she caught a summertime stomach virus, something she ate in a shady
ramen stand on her way back home from campus.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> wondered if it would be weird for whoever happened to
be watching them to see him and Nokoru suddenly crush
their faces into the table.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“But she’s way better now, she’s up and about again
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> sighed, “Well….that’s
good then isn’t it….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“What about children Akira-kun,”
Suoh cut to the chase, tired of Nokoru’s
polite way of poking at Akira’s strange marriage.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Akira stared at him,
shocked.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> stifled a yelp when Nokoru
kicked him under the table.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Utako wants to finish
university first, and then have kids.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Ah, I see.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> wondered if bad cooking can deem someone impotent.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> leaped to his feet,
“There’s Magami-san,”
the other two did the same, bowing deeply before the bespectacled woman walking
towards them.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Hello there! My, what lovely young men I’m fated to
deal with!” Tokiko chirped as soon as the men straightened their backs and
faced her.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Anyone here single by any chance? Tee
taking the chair Nokoru pulled out for her.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Oh, I’m married and
they’re gay so, no, I guess. Sorry
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> felt the frozen shower of horror pour down his spine.
Nokoru paled and laughed nervously.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Ah, that's fine. My
sister was the same;
gay, not married, that is,” Tokiko shrugged and
motioned for a waiter to come to their table.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“What'll you drink
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Tea please, thank you!......Kai,
eh, Nokoru-san, Suoh-san,
what will you drink? Why are you staring at me
like that? Have a seat.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> ordered himself a glass of cider, and a strong black
coffee with cardamom and no sugar for Suoh.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>As soon as the waiter was out of their hair
plastic folder placed before Nokoru.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Poking her glasses up her nose, she scanned through
her faxes and the documents Nokoru attached to each
of them.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>She nodded enthusiastically whenever she read
something she liked, even made encouraging remarks about the chairman’s good
ideas when she came across one.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>When she saw something she didn’t like or regarded as
unfitting and unsatisfactory she nearly glared Nokoru’s
eyes out and made her remarks sharp as Suoh’s mom’s
training daggers.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>It seemed that for Clamp Campus, improvising wasn’t an
option; things were to be run the way Tokiko said, to the smallest detail, or
they will not be run by Nokoru (which was heavily
hinted) at all.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Finally Nokoru’d had enough
of the woman’s snappy remarks.
ins and outs, cans and can’ts.
Why do you insist on getting things clear to the tiniest detail? If a
problem comes up in this department I’ll have it fixed immediately, you really
shouldn’t bother yourself with such….”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Imonoyama-kun!
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> May I remind you that, though you are the
current chairman of Clamp campus, you are not the one who built it nor are you
one of those who were around to see this place built,”
she leaned forward until the blond had no other choice but to look directly
into her pointy brown eyes, “This place was
built for next year, not in order to be your school, not for you to run
it.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> mouthed a bit before giving up and turning his head
away. This was the fate of humanity they
couldn’t snarl back, no matter how much he wanted to.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Once they’d smoothed
every problem and came up with solutions for everything, the sky was dark and
the air around them filled with the calls of cicadas. Tiny fireflies filled the
grass and trees in the nearby park with blinking tiny stars. The Terrace buzzed
with students out to enjoy the lovely night.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Tokiko looked past Akira’s shoulder, at the park. Then
she turned and scanned the people around them in the Café Terrace and
the lights in the windows of the great library at the bottom of which the
Terrace lay. She sighed deeply and removed her glasses to clean them with the
napkin on which her cake spoon lay.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>She ordered two slices of cheese and crumb cake. She
didn’t ask what the boys wanted.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Once the slices lay before her she grabbed her spoon
(the one she used on her cup of orange flavoured jelly and Special Clamp Hot
Fudge Cupcake she ordered before the slices she had now) as if it were a murder
weapon.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Bon appetit
trying to bitch in subtext.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Hunched over her slices, weapon of murder in hand,
highly set was the only indication she
understood Nokuro's remark. She placed a bite in her
mouth, finished chewing it and, without looking up, asked them calmly
boys?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The boys remained silent.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Tokiko took another bite, “Ever
seen pictures fresh from the scene of a
terrorist bombing attack?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Silence.
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Another bite, a bigger one this time.
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> Then she took a large gulp from her third
milkshake, “I see. Make sure you lay your eyes
on loads of those two before we meet for the last time boys or you’ll never be
prepared for the first thing you’ll do for humanity’s fate
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The boys stuck to their silence.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“The holy sword will be born from my body, which means
that it will emerge from me. Since the sword is almost as big as my body it
will rip me apart. I’ll be, to make a bad pun, all over the place.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Akira gasped, the Terrace’s fancy Venetian street
lamps reflecting in his tears.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“If you’re going to stand there like three idiots
behaving the way he does," stabbing the
air Akira-wards with her little fork, "you
might as well not be there at all. My nephew will need someone strong to pick
him up from the shock he’ll receive and deliver him safely here. You must be
prepared.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I see,”
now, “then that is
what we will do. Please, Magami-san, worry not about
our part in next year. Your nephew will be in good hands and so will the rest
of the Seals.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Tokiko stabbed her last piece of cake and sighed
that is.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“Where would you prefer him to be?”
the table.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Tokiko scanned the Café around them quickly
conversation.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>She got up, taking her handbag with her and tucking it
neatly under her arm.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>The boys climbed to their feet and bowed their
goodbyes.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>“I know I might have sounded like a bitch to you today
but if that’s what it takes to get things done properly then that’s what I’ll
be.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>She scanned them with soft eyes now, as sad and heavy
as their own, “I…..I’m really, really sorry
about this boys. I’ll bring you the doll and the board next week.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Nokoru
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> cried that night and begged Suoh
not to set foot outside of Clamp campus next year.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Suoh
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> hugged his lover tightly and stated his love for the
blond endlessly, begging Nokoru to make the same
promises.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Akira sank into a small depression and refused to eat
or sleep, which ended when he fainted from low blood sugar levels in the first
36 hour hospital shift he had after the meeting. With encouragement from his
wife he recovered and did his best to prepare himself for the year to come.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
Verdana;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Utako
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'> suggested they try to conceive, her last semester was
at its end. Akira thought of next year, the year their baby w
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>During endless preparations, hiring and firing of half
their hospital staff, fortification of the Heart of the D
Tokiko's last words to her kin, many nights of endless alcohol and drowning sad
sex, the trio fought to accept and understand what was about to happen next
year.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>When Nokoru pushed the
and Akira were prepared, as well as the rest of Clamp campus.
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>(End)
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mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>