djones@ionet.net (Davey Jones) Foreward: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes by Matt J. Part I "From Two To One" Hikaru slowly closed the door to her room, trying to block out the pain she felt as the tears ran down her face. "Soona!" she thought to herself. "NOt my darling!", she said aloud as her mind faded back to two hours before. * * * She had just come around the corner of the hallway where it met the stairs, when she saw Darling talking with Madoka. She poised herself to lunge at him in her usual manner when she saw the unbelievable. Her eyes grew wide and she stopped in her tacks as Kyosuke pulled Modoka to him and gently brushed a stray loch of hair from her face. Madoka's eyes shined in the afternoon sun as glicsening tears ran down her face, she buried head in his chest and sobbed quietly. Hikaru struck by the force of their emotions stood frozen, her body motionless as she gazed upon her nightmare. Kasuga's voice rang clear in the hallway, peircing Hikaru's heart to the core, "She'll have your eyes.", he said, his eyes gently smiling. Madoka's tears flowed slowly down her cheek, her eyes now smiling brightly, "And your smile." Hikaru, her mind blank, every thought truncated by the wall of the events that she had just witnessed stood alone and empty as she watched the two exit. Trying to find the strenghth within' herself to scream, move, cry, anything! But she couldn't, there was nothing for her but utter isolation, loss, the dull throb of the wound that peirced her soul. * * * The two strolled through the park on their way to the Kasuga residnece to break the news. Ayukawa leaned into him as the strode the fountain. She didn't know why, but she was tired, her legs felt like jelly, her mind lost in a wave of exhausted emotion. "Kasuga-kun?" "Hai." he responded, smiling. She sighed quickly, "Let's take a rest." "Un." he agreed, leading her over to one of the benches barely within' sight of the fountain. After seating her, he motioned to the cart a bit away, "I'll go get us somehting to drink." and ran down to it. Ayukawa sat, smiling as she watched him run to the little stand and sighed, glowing in a new found joy, sure in the fact that he was there. She smiled unconciously as she invisioned their future together, a little Kasuga-chan running around the house, getting into trouble, clumsily breaking her mother's vase, Madoka smirked, then giggled as her mind gave an image of Kasuga-kun chiding the poor little hellion. Her daydreams were interupted by Kasuga sitting down beside her, shoving an offering in front of her face. "Un.", she took in her hand and sipped the warm tea, smiling slightly. "Kasuga-kun?", ]she purred, pulling to him, her around his. "Hai." he responed, a little absent, his mind on his own fantasy. "Nothing." she sighed, squeazing him tightly, her fantasy edging back intoher thoughts. (Everyone would be there!), she thought. (Kurumi, and Manami, and Yusaku, and Hik....) At that she looked dolefully up to Kasuga, trying to find some answer to the questions that ran through her mind. Hikaru would not take the news well, that was for certain. (Why does it always have to be this way?) she thought, again buring her head into Kasuga's trying to find some answer to her questions there. Kyosuke, feeling her pull tighter, looked down at his prize, his eyes shining with pride. He laid an arm around her shoulder, and entered his bliss, but something was wrong. He could feel her shift in mood, as she nudged her way into his chest, her hand on his heart. "Ayukawa?", and with that he said it all, reminding himself of the walls they had built around their life, with shadows, and sleepless nights. She wiped at a tear starting to form as he lifted a hand to her cheek to caress it gently. "Don't worry, we'll find a way.", (OUR way.) he added to himself. * * * Hikaru pulled her arms to her chest, fighting back the tears as they flowed down onto her breasts, her mind racing across the events as they lashed her soul repesatedly. Her eyes broke open, a fire growing inside them, it's fuel pure rage. As her eyes flew about the surface of her walls, it grew inside her, welling up from the blackest part of her soul. Her voice burned the heat of revultion as she forced the air from her lungs in a mindless cry, "AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" She drew her arms back beside her, poised to strike as she faced the wall nearest to her. Another scream pierced the air as her hands crashed into the wall full of pictures of Kyosuke, ripping them from their resting place, "AAAAAAHHHHH!!!" The image of her tormentors filled her mind as she thrashed about the room tearing at the walls with all her strength, trying desperately to bring the walls down around her to end her suffering, until exhausted, she sat alone in the center of the clutter she had created and sobbed quietly, her body crumpled by the sloth that overwhelmed her, her eyes dripping tears onto the framed picture of the three of them, the glass cracked over the center of her heart. "Darling," she whimpered,"why?" * * * Manami, sweat beading on her forehead, stood in front of the stove frying some vegetables for their guests as Hatta stood behind her waiting for just the right moment to cop a feel. He ran a hand across her midsection, taking advantage of the situation as she was poised to test the miso soup she had been working on for days. She glared at him signifigantly as she noticed the hand, being in a position it shouldn't be, she pinched his ear fiercely. Hatta letting out a scream, "Ite!", put his hand behind his head shyly. Kurumi, sitting at the table nearby, grunted in support of her sister's obvious disapproval as she listened absentmindedly to Komatsu's momlouge. "...and she said that she had actually heard Madoka tell Kasuga that she was D!", annoyed at her disinterest, "Oi! Are you listening to me?" waving a hand in front of her face. "Un? Oh, I'm sure it's just another rumor, there's always at least one floating around." she dismissed it, giving him a meaningful glare. "Uh, uhh..", Komatsu visibly starting to sweat. Kurumi, following that thought, glared at Komatsu, who visibly shrank, "Just how many people did you tell about this anyway?" "Well, uh..." Komatsu began, his hand behind his head, Kurumi's glare, fixing him to one spot. "Tadaima!" came a shout from the front door of the apartment as Kyosuke and Ayukawa entered. "Ite!" yelped Hatta as Manami planted an elbow in his stemnum. "Oh, I'm sorry." she smiled innocently. "Oh, Kyosuke-san!" Komatsu chimed, happy for any excuse to be absent from Kurumi's cold stare. "Komatsu! Hatta!" Kyosuke began, his eyes bright, "You're here! How convienient." His eyes resting on Ayukawa, he placed an arm around her shoulder, "Ayukawa?" Her face flushed, she looked at the ground nervously, "You do it, Kasuga-kun." For the first time Manami looked up from her cooking and saw the Kyosuke and Ayukawa, his arm draped about her as she snuggled into his chest. "What is it Oniichan?" Kyosuke chuckled nervously, his eyes still on Ayukawa, silence fell over the room. Kurumi's nerves started to twitch as the sound of the vegetables sizzling in the wok seemed to grow. "Ayukawa and I...", Hatta leaning into the sound brushed against Manami absently, pulling his ear closer to them. Ayukawa's eyes gazed up at Kyosuke, and with a gentle smile she nodded. Kyosuke, drawing strength from her, straitened his posture proudly, "Ayukawa and I are to be married." His voice rung clear in the small apartment, echoing among the silent halls. Kurumi, her eyes wide, laughed weakly as her chin dropped to the floor. Kyosuke, his eyes narrowed in concern, looked to Ayukawa as she stared into the room, "I don't think they are taking it well." At that she looked to him with sadness in her eyes. He held her close as he led them to his room and closed the door behind him. The seconds ticked away as the foursome stared at the empty space where Kyosuke and Ayukawa had shocked them so. The Vegetables popped and sizzled as smoke started to rise from the wok. Komatsu, still stunned, sat down heavily where he stood, his eyes blank. Hatta, his mind reeling, pushed the words through his lips, "Kyosuke-san, Madoka-san, married." Manami, still gazing at the spot where Kyosuke's head was wispered slowly, "Married." Kurumi, caught in the trance continued, "Oniichan." "I'm sure they're happy about it." Kyosuke continued trying to comfort a now unsure Ayukawa as held her. "It's probably just the shock that's all." almost trying to convince himself of the same fact. "It'll be alright, I'm sure of it..." he continued, somewhat weakly. Ayukawa's eyes gazed into space mulling over what had just happened. (At least my friends would be happy.) she thought, pulling herself closer to Kasuga, gripping his shirt in her hands tightly. Kyosuke, getting himself mad at their response to his once in a lifetime good news started to steam with rage. (How dare they!) he thought, (Steal this moment away from Ayukawa and I! Why I ought to....) A knock came atthe door. "Oniichan?" Manami said through the door. "May I come in?" Ayukawa's eyes darted to the door as she buried her hands in the folds of the fabric of his shirt, afraid of what might happen next. Her heart coudn't take another beating, she hadn't even come to terms with the absence of their response, if they were to actively reject the union she didn't know what she would do. She looked into Kysuke's eyes desperately. His hard gaze gave her enough strength to look to the door as it started to open, she straitened her posture and firmed her grip on the man she loved. Manami stood in the doorway, her eyes averted as she slowly stepped into the room. Hatta, Kurumi, and Komatsu stood in the doorway, quizically peering inside, testing the atmosphere for the harsh emotions they had sensed from the room. "So,..." Manami began nervously, her eyes on the floor. Kurumi, seeing her sister falter, steps forward, conviction spread across her features, "Married!" she smiled weakly. Manimi, continuing her sister's thought, "I never thought that oniichan would actually, I mean..." Ayukawa began to smile, her fears almost abated as Kurumi continued, "I mean who would've thought that after all this time he'd finally pop the question!" Kyosuke's frown growing slightly. "And with winter coming up, I thought he'd wait 'till at least until new years." Manami continued, Ayukawa's smile broadening, her heart basking in the rays of belonging. "That's right," Kurumi picked up, "We knew he'd do it soon but not this soon.", her eyes smiling, she glanced back at Kotatsu and Hatta, still standing in the doorway, dumstruck, fixing them with a meaningful glare. "That's right!" Komatsu began, "We knew you'd ask her you old devil but how did you ever get her to agree?", laughing loudly. "Ahh, hahahahah," Hatta continued, after some slight prompting of an elbow to the ribs. "You really must tell me the secret of your power over women!", he said cheerily as he walloped Kasuga on the back, prompting a smile from him and a shy giggle from Ayukawa. "But what I don't understand," Hatta mused, "is how you ever got Hikaru to concede." Earning him cold stares from the twins and a jab in the ribs from Komatsu as both Kasuga and Ayukawa laughed nervously. --- Foreward: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes by Matt J. Part II "A Price To Be Paid" Kyosuke stood at his shoe locker getting ready for another day of life. His mind began to wander through memories present and past as he put away his outside shoes. How beautiful Ayukawa was that day that they had first met, and stubborn, he would never forget how stubborn she was shen he crumpled that cigarette. He smiled slighty and rubbed his cheek remembering the wallop of a slap he had earned that day. Suddenly, his thoughts were distracted by a voice behind im squealing "Darling!" He dropped his sachel fearfully and turned to face the onslaught. Hikaru flew towards him, determined to show her love for him in tight embrace. Her arms wrapped around him, she squeazed tightly, trying to make the most of the moment. "Oh, Darling, I'm so happy to see you!" "Ahh, Hikaru, where did you come from?" trying desperately to unravel himself from her grasp. "Darling aren't you happy to see me?" she asked, proding him for a few moments more to be next to him, sliding her body seductively against him. "No, I mean yes, I mean, uh," he began, pulling at her arms nervously, "I really gotta' go, okay? I'll uh, see you later okay Hikaru?" and with that he left her standing alone in the hall, sighing with relief. * * * Madoka stood at the foot of the steps leading to her classroom staring at her watch and tapping her foot. 'Just like him to be late.' she thought. Seeing him round the corner she called out, "Anata!" then, realizing what she had said, scanned the room sheepishly, noticing the eyes are her. "Ayukawa!" he responded vibrantly, jogging up to her. "Sorry I'm late. I had to pry Hikaru off me at the shoelockers." he explained, a bit nervous. They began to climb the steps together, keeping as close as they possibly could as Ayukawa mused at the problem of what Kasuga had said presented. "Kasuga-kun?" catching his attention, "What are we going to do about Hikaru? We both seem to be avoiding it, understandably, but something has to be done." He considered this for a moment as he walked the steps, "I agree, somehting has to be done, but I have no idea what we could do. She knows of our engagement, I mean, how could she not," Ayukawa nodded, "but she still hangs on me everywhere I go. The only noticable change is that she no longer hangs around you, which is to be expected." Ayukawa's eyes filled with the sadness of loss as the words came from his mouth, and yet, she knew it could be no other way. She nodded gently and walked a little closer to him, all the while sure in the conviction that Hikaru could never tear them apart, no matter how she may try. * * * Hikaru sat alone in a booth at the ABCB, staring out the window and reminescing on old times had in that very same booth, with Darling, and Madoka-san, when things were different. When Madoka-san hadn't trapped Darling into a marriage. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the thought, then slacked as her depression set back in. How she longed for those times, the brief moments she could spend with Darling alone, on his bed, chatting all night, and wondering when he would make his move,she smiled slightly. Darling was so pure, Madoka-san must have tricked him into it, got him drunk and taken advantage of the confusion to corner him into marriage. "Hikaru-chan!" a voice rang from the door where Yusaku stood waving at her. She glared at him and turned back to the window, fixing her gaze at the setting sun. "Hikaru-chan." he repeated, now standing across from her. "Go away!" she replied gruffly, her eyes picking him apart. "Do not worry, Hikaru-chan, I Yusaku have come to console you in your time of need. Iknow how you feel," Yusaku continued, his hand on her arm. "to be cheated upon is enough, but news of a wedding so soon after the affair!" At his words her eyes became wide, her attention centered on that one phrase, 'so soon after the affair!' She scrutinized him slowly, her eyes burned with the heat of rage, as he continued, "...me want to break that Kasuga bastard in half!" "What did you say?!" Hikaru screached, her gaze burning through him. "Huh?" "Affair? What do you mean affair?" "But," Yusaku began nervously, "everyone knows that the wedding is only to protect Madoka-san's honor." "And what," Hikaru retorted angrily, all eyes in the resteraunt were on her, "do you mean by 'honor'?!" "But," Yusaku, shrinking into the seat, continued slowly, "Madoka-san is pregnant." 'As I thought!' Hikaru raged to herself. 'Madoka is blaming Darling to corner him into marriage!' Her fist clenched the table, her eyes bright red with anger, she let out a single cry, "YURUSENE!" Yusaku, now imbedded into the booth from the force of the blast sat quietly, looking upon Hikaru glowing in rage, fearing for his life, he had never seen her this mad before. The people in the restraunt, shocked to silence, watched on as Hikaru stalked out of the ABCB with a murder in her eyes. * * * Master stood outside the ABCB pacing nervously as he awaited Madoka's arrival. He had heard, and seen, what had gone on between Hikaru and Yusaku, and fearing for Madoka, he waited solemnly for her to turn the corner, with Kasuga in tow. As they came into sight, he sighed deeply, glad that they had gotten this far from the school without confrontation. His fears, if somewhat unfounded, were still there. He had no idea what Hikaru would do in this situation, no one knew, but on the possibility that his gut told him true, a warning would be all it took to be forearmed. "Kasuga-san! Madoka-san, glad to see you!" he waved to the couple as they approached. Madoka, puzzled, queried "Master, what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside?" "Oh, I closed up shop for the day," he said, gauging their stunned reactions, "We have more important business to attend to, but first, there is something I think you should know. May we step inside?" "Sure." Kasuga replied, his concern evident in his voice as he led Madoka inside, then holding the door ajar for Master. "What..." Madoka began, trying to recall the last time the ABCB was closed for even a few hours during prime, which escaped her. Master held up one finger, "Please, sit." he said, motioning to the bar, still trying to find the best way of putting it across that her lifetime friend and his ex-whatever had a very large chip on her shoulder, as the two sat, still puzzled by the events of the day. "Now, where to start?" he queried aloud, staring down at the counter before him. "Well," staring strait into Madoka's eyes, "Hikaru means to kill you." Kyosuke, no longer able to contain the now painfull ruptures in his midsection broke through the hand he had covering his mouth in histerical fits of laughter as Madoka slightly chuckled under her breath. Both trying very hard to regain their composure, and both failing miserably as Masters face drew more and more serious. "Listen!" he said, pounding one open hand on the counter lightly. "I'm quite serious." Madoka, trying hard to stop laughing, her cheeks flushed with humor, "I'm sorry Master," she managed between fits, "it's just that, well..." begining to laugh again. Kyosuke, still rolling on the floor paying no attention to the two of them. "I'm sure she's quite serious, even Yusaku said he had never seen her so angry before, and I agree. For one to contain that much anger would be near impossible without commiting homocide." As the words ran through Kyosuke's mind his fits slowed until he was able to sit up once again. 'What had he said?' he thought, '"...even Yusaku said he had never seen her so angry..." and he would know.' "Well, I guess it's possible, even though suicidal, but definately possible." At that the room grew increasingly quiet until only the clock could be heard ticking away in the corner of the resteraunt. Ayukawa's eyes grew dim with sadness, she had never even imagined that it would come to this. She didn't want to fight Hikaru, she was a friend, although not so much lately, but still a friend. There were too many fond memories there to clash with the very serious threat that lay before her. "It's more than possible," she gulped, "it was inevitable." Her eyes unfocused turned down toward the counter, trying to find something, an answer, a reason, even a question, anything to keep her mind from the possibilities. She drew her hands into her lap, and figited nervously. Kyosuke, desperately trying to console her, "Hey, we'll figure something out. I'm sure it'll be okay." but even as he said the words he knew that they were useless. "No," she answered him, "no it won't." subconciously searching for his hand, he offered it, and she squeazed it, trying to find some courage to face the situation. Master, eyeing the scene, had nothing but compassion for the two. He was glad that she was pregnant, it had given them reason to end the triangle, but the first steps on a new road wear on you, and these steps were so much worse for the two. "And now on to the good news." he stated, trying to change the mood, "As to why this place is shut down for the night, well, my wife and I would like to have you two for dinner, and since you both were schedueled to work tonight, I would say that leaves me a little short-handed wouldn't you?" Kyosuke, tearing his eyes away from his love, answered in a gentle voice, "We would be honored to be guests in your home Master, and if it were not for this sudden array of events crowding our hearts, we would be pleased to accompany you tonight. If I may suggest that we take tonight to recover from this shock, you understand." "No," Madoka breathed quietly, looking directly into Kasuga's eyes, squeazing his hand gently, "I'll be allright." Concern spread across Kyosuke's gaze he questioned again with his eyes, recieving a gentle nod in response. "Very well, we would be honored Master." he finished with a deep bow. "Please," Master began, " the honor is mine." and returned the bow respectfully. * * * A streetlight buzzed softly in the night, drowning out the stars of a clear night, the moon hanging half-full in the distant horizon. Small trees lined the side of the walkway through the park, their branches casting ominous shadows over the smooth pavement. Hikaru's eyes shined with anticipation as the hands of the clock slowly churned their way through the hour. 'It's perfect!' she thought. 'They have to come this way, and when they do, I will have what is mine!' Yusaku sat behind her, his eyes twitching nervously, exploring every shadow for any sign of life. He wasn't sure about this, after all, Madoka was a longtime freind, to give that friendship up, if even for the sake of his sweet Hikaru-chan seemed foul. "Hikaru-chan, let's go home." he whispered to her, pleading. "Why?" she retorted bitingly. "Scared of the dark you big brave clutz?" she continued sarcastically. "No!" he responded, feeling his ego being jabbed, "I just don't feel right about jumping Madoka." he cut the air swiftly with his right hand. "What," her eyes growing watery, "you don't want to help me?" she said as she snuggled closer to him. Rubbing her body up against his. "I thought you said you would do anything for me." she continued twirling his hair in her hand, his muscles clenching up. "I thought you said you loved me Yusaku-chan." she finished, running a hand down his chest to his manhood. "Haaa... Hai!" "Good." her voice slithered, as she forced herself away from him. "Now... URUSAI!!" At the force of her words she crouched back into the bushes, hiding himself away in the one moment of pleasure, denighing what he knew to be true. "There coming." she whispered, crouching for her attack. Yusaku still stunned into silence as he could hear their approaching footsteps. 'Why?' he thought, 'Why am I forever consigned to this hell?' And as he watched Hikaru, poised for combat, his mind raved, deadening his senses. Torn between love and honor, he sat, utterly alone in an ocean of anguish. He could hear their gentle laughter as they approached, her the sweetness in Ayukawa's voice, hear the joy they shared and longed that he could have such, even at the price of a friend. Her muscles tense, her heart pounding through her chest as she awaited the moment of her strike, and then it came. "Hiiiyyyaaaa!" she screamed, lashing her foot out of the bushes and into a surprised Ayukawa. Her eyes welling up with the shoots of pain that ran through her body and swirled in her stomach, she doubled over around the intruding foot. Her hands searching the offended area, gripping tightly onto her shirt as she wretched. Kyosuke, stunned, stood dumstruck as Ayukawa hit the ground, his eyes wild with rage, concern, hatred, absolute, black, hatred. His eyes followed the figure that jumped from the shadows, and raised it's arm, poised to strike. "NOOOOO!!!!!" he flailed his arms before him and threw the figure back, slamming it into a nearby tree. A screach tearing itself away from the bushes drawing his attention away from the now unconsious precdator. His eyes burning with rage, he let out his cry once more and teleported the offender three feet underground, it's arms flailing it tried desperately to attack. Kyosuke's rage gone, he focused his eyes on Ayukawa, his hands on her shoulders, "Ayukawa!!" "Aahhh!!" she forced her lips shut and bit them closed, grapling his shirt and drawing him near. He enveloped her with his arms and concentrated, phasing their bodies out of the park, and into his family's living room. "Ayukawa..." Special Thanks to: Anyone who is actually reading this. Sorry about the spelling and what not, but I make it a point not to read anything I've written. Hope you like it. Matta Ne. --- Foreward: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes by Matt J. Part III "Promises In The Dark" "MANAMI!" he yelped, his eyes never letting go of the sight of his love. "MANAMI!!" "AAAHHhh!" Ayukawa cried, no longer able to endure the pain, blood draped over the long skirt, gripping his shoulder, as he raised into his arms and stormed into his bedroom. "MANAMIIIIII!!!!!" he screamed, searching for some light in the darkness of the events before him, as he laid her down on the bed, transferring her grip to his hand, his face contorted with fear as he kneeled beside her. "CHUKISHO!!! MAANAAMIII!!!!" Manami came through the door at a dead run, her dark brown mane blown back with speed, Kurumi in tow, "What is it oniichan?!" looking down at Ayukawa, "Oh God!!" she breathed as stains showed their color through Ayukawa's dress. "AAAHHHnn!!" Manami turned about, smacking strait into a stunned Kurumi, trying desperately to cope with the situation. Urged on by Ayukawa's nightmarish cry Manami shoved Kurumi out of the way into the wall, sending her sprawling onto the floor, dazed. Stopping in mid stride, Manami grabbed Kurumi by the kneck of her blouse and pulled her up, "Come on!" trying desperately to think as she ran for the bathroom. "Ayukawa..." Kyosuke gasped in fear as he watched her face contort with another spasm of pain, gently caressing her cheek. "Manami!" he turned to the door, "What are you doing?! Get in here!" Ayukawa, her face flushed with the recurring pain, looked up to gaze at a frightened Kyosuke, her eyes welling with tears, blurring her vision, "Otoosama." Kyosuke, holding her hand tightly, "Ayukawa.." his eyes filled with pain, his heart bursting, "AYUKAWA!!" Trying with all his might to communicate his heart, her eyes fluttering with pain, he pulled to her, "Please, kami-sama, please." Another shunt of pain gripped her body, making it shudder in the wake. Her eyes wide open as the waves of pain ebbed. Her breath harsh as she pulled strength from his tight grip. "Ahh!" Kurumi choked as she swung around the doorway, her arms stuffed full with supplies, dropping them on the bed, Manami in tow. The two started to work frantically, soothing the pain stuck Ayukawa, trying desperately to work around their panic-struck brother. "Come on, oniichan." Manami pulled at his sleeve, "You leave her to us." "B-But..." he looked back to Ayukawa as she smiled slightly and gave a quick nod. His eyes set in black lined sockets, he gazed upon her one last time before he stood, squeazing her hand gently, gave her a slight smile in answer of her courage. "Come on oniichan, she'll be fine." Manami soothed, "Now out." gesturing towards the doorway. He followed her finger meekly, raising his gaze to Ayukawa as Manami gently closed the door. * * * Yusaku drew himself up, his legs and midsection covered with dirt, groaning slightly from the stiffness in his joints. He stumbled, feeling through the darkness to the prone body of his Hikaru-chan, taking her in his hands, he started to sob, his tears resting softly on her cheek. "Hikaru-chan... why... Hikaru-chan." his sobs horse, his muscles spasming, his rage alive, "HIKARU-CHAAAAN!!!" * * * Kyosuke sat motionless, staring into the depths of the depths ofthe door before him, his mind alive with vivid memories of a blood-soaked Ayukawa, doubled over in pain. His eyes wide with fright as his ears strained to hear what was happening beyond the door. His fingers twitched nervously as the gentle sounds of a light breeze sighing across the landscape floated to his ears from the window. 'This is too much.' he thought, 'I can't stand sitting here without knowing what is going on.' From the corner of his eye he saw the door start to swing open, his mind stunned to silence he began to get to his feet. Manami rushed out and closed the door behind her, running down the hall. Kyosuke, his eyes filled with fright, pushed out a single hand, haalf on his feet, towards Manami as she returned carrying a basin, "Ahh.." he sighed trying desperatly to find the words, as he watched Manami disappear through the door. He sank back down slowly pushing against the wall for support, his eyes rounded in red as he consigned himself to his post. His heart thumping weakly inside his chest as he sat and waited, waited for the door to swing open once more. * * * Ayukawa lay on the bed, her cloathes pulled away from her as the two twins worked furiously, her body numb as her mind ran through the events, "Kasuga-kun," she mumbled weakly, "is he..." Manami, her eyes filled with compassion, showing a slight smile, she nodded and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "He's fine, it's time for you to rest now." "Can't I see him?" Ayukawa asked weakly, pleading with the young girl. "Well," Manami said sternly, her eyes narrowing, "Only if you promise not to get too exited." her finger accusingly adressing her. Ayukawa nodded slightly and beamed, she tried desperately to sit up, 'I can't let him see me like this.' she thought, yet there was no strength left in her numbed body, the painkillers finally starting to take effect. Kurumi, standing at the top of the bed, pushed gently on Ayukawa's shoulders, "Oneechan, you don't need to strain yourself." her bright eyes concerned, as Manami walked toward the door, opening it in to allow entrance. Manami looked to him as he sat on the floor, his eyes wide with apprehension. She nodded slightly. He was up and in the doorway in seconds, staring down at a sweatsoad Ayukawa, "Ayukawa..." he mumbled, rushing to her side, gripping her hand as he kneeled beside her, needing her proximity. "Ayukawa, I.." he spoke, trying to find the words as tears started to swell in his eyes, "I'm sorry." his gaze avoiding hers in shame. "Oh Kasuga-kun," Ayukawa began sweetly as Manami and Kurumi stood in the doorway, looking over their patient protectively. "it's not your fault." her eyes gently smiling, sqeazing his hand assuringly. "Kasuga-kun?" Kyosuke, his eyes pulling to hers as he wiped the tears away from his eyes, "Hai." regaining his composure. "I love you Kasuga-kun." she beamed. "Ayukawa..." Kyosuke sighed, lifting hiself to the bed, taking her in his arms gently, "I too." * * * Hikaru lay on top of her bedcloathes, breathing shallowly as Yusaku gently rubbed at the dried blood around her mouth. Her eyes scrunched tight as another fit racked her body. She had been unconsious for most of the night, waking only slightly once or twice to pass out again from exhaustion. "Darling.." Yusaku sat, stunned into silence, her subconcious plea tearing away at the very fabric of his being. 'How could she?' he thought, 'I saw him throw her inot the tree. I watched as he abused her body. How could she do this to ME!' he cried silently, his mind ablaze with agony. His head filled with the memories of his futile machinations, and now, even after this, she still longed for that bastard Kasuga. His eyes welling up, filling his vision with the blurr of his hell, he grabbed at her and held her to him tightly, trying desperately to fight off his fear,his agony, "Hikaru-chan...why?" Her body lax as she lay in his embrace, her eyes fluttering open slightly, "Yusaku-kun?" her voice stuggling against the pain that rushed through her with every movement. His eyes streaming tears down his cheeks he faced her gaze, beaming with joy, "Hikaru-chan!" "Wh-what happened?" she asked, pulling herself out of his embrace, her hand massaging her skull, trying to quell the pain. "Hikaru-chan..." Yusaku breathed as he pulled himself back from his side, "I was so worried." drying his eyes on his arm. "Whe... Where am I?" Thank you for reading this, my first fan-fic. I would be more than happy to hear any comments. Please direct any comments/flames to djones@ionet.net Special thanx to my big bro for letting me submit this on his system, and for the use of his e-mail adress for use in aquiring any comments that come my way. And to Matsumoto-sama for creating such a wonderful work to inspire. --- Foreward: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes by Matt J. Part IV "Dream No More" Kyosuke stood, chained by fear at the bottom of the 99.5 steps, staring up into the sky as a red hat floated by just out of reach. He watched as it rested on the ground beside him, slowly coming to a rest as the breeze sighed to a rest. The dead silence rang in his ears as he walked softly over to it. Kneeling at it's resting place he took it in his hands gingerly, "Ayukawa.." His eyes gliscened with fresh memories as he pulled the straw hat to his chest. The grass beneath his knees grew cold, it's wet surface throwing a chill through his pants. "Darling?" a voice rippled through the the air toward him, it's taste sweet, yet somehow smelled of attar. Kyosuke stunned, moved his eyes toward the voice behind him. "Hikaru-chan.." his eyes wide, he stood petrified of the menacing glow in her eyes, unable to move as she approached him. "Ne, Darling, what is that?" she queried, nodding toward his burden. His throat constricted, fear engulfing him, he pulled the hat closer to him, gazing to the hat in his hands, it's construction becoming softer. "Darling?" her honeyed voice called, "What is wrong?" her hand outreached, pulling his chin up until his eyes were fixed by her gaze. Kyosuke, his breath shuddering, pulled the hat closer to him, it's soft exterior swirling into a ball, growing lengthwise slowly, pulling his attention away from Hikaru. "Oooh! Kawaii!" Hikaru cooed lightly, failing to cover the edge in her voice, reaching to his burden. "Waaahh!" the child screamed in anguish at her mere proximity, it's eyes shut tight to the black fire that burned in her eyes. Stunned, "Noo!"he screamed at her with all the force he could muster as he turned his back to Hikaru, blocking vision of the young child. "Darling!!" Hikaru raged, "Give me that child!" her voice dripping with hatred, she grabbed at his shoulder and swung his face to hers. "Noo!" he repeated. "Baka!" she screamed furiously, the back of her hand coming down on his jaw, bruising the mucsles of his cheek as his head flew to the side. "Give her to me!" she commanded as the child wailed. "Noo!!" he replied, his eyes snapping back to hers, his muscles clenching the child to his chest, his look determined, throwing a barrier of frost to confront her, his heart thumping in fear. "Give her to me!" she commanded once more, "She is mine!" her fist clenched around her hatred, her eyes burning as she stared at the young one. She let her fist fly, connecting across his jaw, staining her knuckles with his blood."Now!!" His head rolled slowly down, his jaw numb, his body burning with rage. "Never..." he whispered, then with force to command the winds, "NEVER WILL i LET YOU HAVE HER!!" his eyes closed tight as his throat sprayed the last words, casting face to the heavens. Hikaru drew back, her nails becoming spikes, cutting the air as she poised to strike, "THEN SHE WILL DIE!!!" and with that, she let fly, her arm driving the spikes surely through his protective hold oin the child, then through the wailing child. The child shrieked as the rods passed through her body, throwing it's eyes open in agony. Kyosuke sat stunned, num to the pain of the rods invading his arms, and stared at the child, blood seeping from it's mouth and nose, "Oh, little one, you have Ayukawa's eyes." he whispered solftly, tears of rage starting to well insiden him. The child, quivering in his arms, let out a single sigh, "Otoosama." the dropped motionless, as Kyosuke shuddered, almost choking on ever breath. His eyes squeazed shut as he pulled the limp body closer to him, his mind lost in the raptures of loss, and pure unadulterated hatred, as the image of Ayukawa's blood drenched body filled his mind. And in an instant, he opened his eyes. His gaze, black as night, and cold as the heavens above fixed on the girl that stood before him. "Yurusene..." he breathed through clenched teeth, then with more force, "Yurusene!" his fists clenched at his sides, and with all his might, "FOR THIS CRIME YOU MUST..." his body glowly pure red, the color of judgment, "DIE!!!" and in one final burst the energy engulfed Hikaru's screaming body, it's heat melting the flesh from her bones. Kyosuke, his body spent, dropped to his knees, his eyes filled with tears, "Ayukawa..." and with all he had left, "AYUKA..." "WAAAAAA." Kyosuke sat strait up in his futon, inadvertanly pushing Ayukawa off his chest, his body drenched in a cold sweat. He breathed deeply, trying to calm himself as he sat, his body shivering. "Kasuga-kun?" Ayukawa queried, rubbing her eyes, "Are you allright?" her hand on his chest. He slid his feet off the edge of the futon, gripping the edge tightly, "I'm fine," he responded, getting to his feet, "it's nothing." in finish as he headed out the door. "Kasuga-kun?!" she called after him, 'Why won't he let me help him?' she thought. Kyosuke pulled the door shut behind him, his body in knots. Jingoro whizzed down the hallway, only to float back by, blind to Kyosuke and voicing loud protests. Kyosuke sighed deeply as he closed the bathroom door behind him, shutting out the drudgery of the rest of the world and leaned back against it heavily. He moved to the sink and ran the basin full, his fingers testing the temperature as the water ran. It was cold as ice, giving his fingers a tingling release from the previous night's strain. He shut off the tap and dipped his hands into the water, letting the sensations move through his arms. He lifted them up splashing the water across his face, his hands coming to rest on the sides of the basin. His grip grew tighter as he clenched his eyes shut, a slight whimper escaped through his teeth as he slowly began to cry, the tear flowing freely. * * * Ayukawa stood in the doorway, her eyes glicsened over with worry as she stared down the hall to the bathroom door, her mind flying over the past few days she had spent with Kyosuke, his midnight ramblings as he tossed his head in anguish, fleeing from nightmarish dreams. She yearned to throw that door open and hold him, just hold him, but she could not. She knew why he closed himself off like this, he couldn't stand to live with the fact that he had failed her by his inaction, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. A voice behind her broke her machinations, pulling her head away from the door, "What are you doing up?" Kurumi queried accusingly. "You need to be in bed." showing mock dissaproval, giggling slightly. Ayukawa's eyes shined humerously as a slight smile peaked out from under the bags beneath her eyes, "Yes, Miss." she jibed, producing a giggle from Kurumi, looking back to the door one last time before she went back to lay on the futon, feeling futile. * * * Hikaru stood at the doorway of the Kasuga residence knocking lightly on the door. It had been a week since the confrontation in the park, and she had neither seen nor heard from Kyosuke. He had also not shown up for school, and more troublesome, neither had Madoka. Well, she would find out soon enough what was going on, she told herself as she rapped lightly on the door again, rocking back and forth on her feet impatiently. The door opened slightly showing a curious Manami peering out around the crack, and at her first glimpse of the waiting guest, her gaze turned cold. "What do you want?" "I came to see Darling." Hikaru responded sweetly, Manami twitching at the words. "I already told you," Manami began, "he doesn't want to see you." her anger almost tangible. Hikaru, sticking her foot in the crack of the door before Manami had a chance to shut it retorted icily, "If that is so, I would like to hear it from him thank you." stepping closer to the door agressively. "That's too bad." Manami sneered, stomping on Hikaru's foot with all she had, producing a screach from her nemisis, slamming the door shut at first chance. Manami stood, her back to the door, breathing deeply as she threw the bolts closed. Her eyes closed as she lifted herself off the door and moved across the main room. Ayukawa, standing in the hall, queried, "Who was that?" eyeing the door curiously. Manami, a little surprised, "Oh, no one." she dismissed, her hands transferring to her hips, a stern look on her brow, "And what are you doing out of bed?" Ayukawa, her curiosity abated, looked sheepishly at Manami, "Oh, I'm fine really. I haven't felt any ill-effects in days." she explained, dropping her eyes nervously, which was recieved with another stern look. "Where is Kasuga-kun? When I woke up he was gone." motioning to what she thought of now as 'their' room. At that Manami dropped her hands and walked toward the kitchen, "All he said was that he was going out, and that he would be back." Ayukawa, following her into the kitchen, queried, a bit concerned. "Nothing more?" "No." Manami frowned, thinking 'He's been so distant lately.' "Oh." Ayukawa sighed, and sat down at the table, her gaze blank, concerned. "Now." Manami asked with a smile, trying to change the mood, "What would you like for lunch?" * * * "Kampai." Kyosuke uttered miserably as he raised his fifth glass of sake to his lips and downed it. Setting it heavily on the bar he bellowed "Another!" The barkeep proffered the bottle and began to pour, staring at the drunken heap of Kyosuke. Kyosuke stared at the liquor as it ran out of the bottle and into his glass before him. As the barkeep put the bottle back behind the bar Kyosuke proferred a bill out of his pocket and tossed it down. The money quickly disappeared as Kyosuke raised the glass to his lips and downed it quickly. "kyosuke-san!" called a voice from behind him and off to the right at the center of the crowded part of the club. Kyosuke's eyes narrowed on Yukari and Shu as they prodded their way through the crowd. "Oh, Shu-san, Yukari-san, nice to see you." he answered, half stumbling from his chair to greet them. "Have a seat." he motioned to the empty chairs at the bar. "So," Yukari, scrutinizing him as she sat to his right, Shu still standing, "how are you and Madok-san doing?" she queried. "Oh, great, all things considered."he said bitingly, waving down the barkeep, "Another round here, and something for my friends as well." Yukari looked nervously to Shu, obviously uncomfortable. Shu, picking up for her, "We heard about what happened, if there is anything we can do..." his voice trailed off, his eyes concerned, as the barkeep stepped over to them. "Sake all around, my friend." Kyosuke slurred, proffering his cup for a fill. "Uh, leave the bottle would you?" flipping a few bills on the counter. Pouring carefully he filled three glasses, then set the bottle down slowly with exagerated care. "Now," he held his cup high, "to life! Kampai!" gulping it down and pouring another. Yukari sipped at her glass and stared as Kasuga slopped sake all over the bar, "Shouldn't you slow down a little?" she asked uncomfortably. "Nonsense." Kyosuke answered irritably, his eyes wandering as he lifted the cup to his lips. His eyes wide, he sat stunned to silence for all of a second, his gaze began to harden as he reached behind him and grabbed the bottle from the bar. Yakari, and Shu's eyes following his gaze into the crowd of people swarming in from the front door. "You..." he muttered softly, his grip tightening around the bottle. His eyes burned with rage as he pulled himself up from the chair and across the room like a shot, "YOU!!" bringing the half full bottle of sake down on the stunned Yusaku. Yusaku dropped to the floor, one side of his head buzzing from the blow, "You s**-*-...b***h!" Kyosuke raged as he slammed the prone figure with the bottle again, then started to kick at his stomach and face unmercifully. "No!" Yusaku managed between blows, "Wait!" Within' moments Shu and Yukari were at Kyosuke's back, tugging at his arms, trying desperately to pull him out of range, Shu cursing loudly. "You s**-**-*-****h!" Kyosuke screamed struggling with all his might to get at the doubled over figure before him. "What are you doing!?" Kyosuke screamed at Shu and Yukari. "He sat and watched while Hikaru stole our child, the s**-**-*-****h deserves to die!!" still kicking at Yusaku. Yusaku, kneeling before Kyosuke, the back of his head bleeding badly, his eyes on the floor, whimpered, "Do it. I deserve to die." and lulled his head between his shoulders. Kyosuke, stunned to silence, could only stand and watch as tears streamed down the young man's eyes, his sobs reaching everyone in the club. A grimace clogged Kyosuke's face as he stared at the sight before him, "Worthless." he grunted in disgust and spat at the pittiful creature before him. Kyosuke, his eyes no longer able to bear Yusaku's sight turned and trumped out the door, swaggering clumsily with Shu and Yukari in tow. * * * Kurumi answered the door, Ayukawa, a worried look on her in her eyes, stood in the archway from the hall looking on. Shu and Yukari stood in the open doorway, supporting a passed out Kyosuke between them, "Uh, hi." Shu managed weakly. Kurumi, obviously bored with her brother, motioned to the hallway, "Drop him off in there." As Shu trudged him into the appropriate room, Ayukawa followed the two with her eyes, her hand clenching the corner of the wall. "Is.. Kasuga-kun allright?" she queried. "Yeah," Yukari answered, standing beside her. "He's just drunk. He should be okay tomorrow." she laid a hand on Madoka's shoulder assuringly. Madoka gave a smile, slightly embarassed by Kyosuke's inebriated sate. "I hope he wasn't toomuch trouble." "Oh, no trouble at all." Yukari dismissed, "Actually, it was kind of fun seeing Yusaku getting the shit kicked out of him." she continued lightly. "What?!" Madoka cried, stunned. "Oh, yeah, pummeled." gesturing to an open hand in front of her chest, then closing it quickly, with appropriate sound effects. "You should have seen him in action, you'd have been proud." nodding. Ayukawa, her eyes wide, to stunned to say anything. "Well," Yukari continued as Shu reappeared in the main room, "we'd better get going, see you later Madoka-san. Come Shu-chan." leading him towards the door and out. "Uh," seemingly half awake, "Saiyonara." With the door closed behind them Shu led the two of them down to the street, "Did you have to tell her about the fight? It's not they don't have enough problems already." "What?" she answered him, "She was bound to find out anyway, and this is something they need to deal with, the sooner the better." she prodded him with an elbow, "Ne?" "I guess you're right." he conceded, stopping to look to the small apartment, "I hope they get it worked out." he sighed dremily. "Me too." as she latched onto his arm, and pulled him close. * * * Ayukawa stood in the doorway, her eyes dreamily regarding the sleeping Kyosuke, "Why can't you just talk to me?" she asked the silence, then reaching up flicked off the light and left the room, closing the door behind her. Thank you for reading this, my first fan-fic. I would be more than happy to hear any comments. Please direct any comments/flames to djones@ionet.net Special thanx to my big bro for letting me submit this on his system, and for the use of his e-mail adress for use in aquiring any comments that come my way. And to Matsumoto-sama for creating such a wonderful work to inspire. --- Foreword: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes Part V "In The Heart's Eye" Yusaku, his head still bleading, stumbled down the steps of the club to the street. His eyes blurred slightly by the pain he struggled to stay on his feet long enough to make it home. The gentle sounds of night boomed through his head as he stumbled into the pale shadows of the streetlights. He stopped on the curb, his eyes tracing the streetlights down, his gaze catching a drunk Kyosuke shambling loudly along between Yukari and Shu. His heart ached at the sight of a him, falling into the shadow of a bush to his right, purging his stomach. He turned away, throwing his gaze down to his feet in shame, pushing his hands into his pockets as he continued his journey into the night. * * * "AYUKAWAAAA!!" Kyosuke screamed as he sat up like a shot, his body covered in sweat, shaking. His eyes clenched tight, he pulled his knees to his chest and hid his face between them yearning for release. Fighting back tears as pulled his body out of it's crumpled state, he pulled himself up, his muscles aching from another night of dreamscape violence. His head throbbing in rememberance of his excess. He opened the door, the slight woosh of air sending shivers down his spine he stumbled out. Ayukawa, sitting near the table glaring down the hall in contempt, her gaze sharp, her eyes sunk deeply into her skull. She studied him meticulously, his cloathes rumpled, body contorted with grief, the bags under his eyes declaring his pain, and she ached for him. She threw her gaze down to the table violently, no longer able to stand the agony of seeing her love in such a state, not seeing the shamefull, pleading look that crossed his eyes. Kyosuke, his hand half outreached, dropped to his side as turned and headed toward the door to the bath, his head hung low in shame. And with the door closed tightly behind him, he sobbed quietly. * * * Ayukawa, her hands working nervously, glanced down the hall as the door to the bath closed. Her heart longing for words, words from him, words for him, anything but theis silence. Her mind wavering between her own pain and his, caught in the raptures of grief, for the two, and for the little one. 'It's funny,' she thought bitingly, trying desperately to dissuade her anguish, 'how something that has never seen the light of day can cause so much trouble.' then berating herself for even the thought. "He'll be allright," Manami said, placing a placating hand on Ayukawa's arm, "he's just grief-struck right now. It'll be okay." her eyes betraying her as she said it. Ayukawa, her eyes on the door, longed to believe her, but couldn't, 'It'll never be allright.' she thought, 'Never again.' * * * "Grandfather?" Kurumi whispered into the phone, conspiritorially. Her eyes scanning the main room for any signs of life. "Ohayo, Grandfather, it's Kurumi."she hesitated, nodding slowly, "I know, but that's not important now." her voice urgent. "Could you do me a favor?" * * * Kyosuke stared back at himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but see the defunct look in his eyes. Hanging his head low, he splashed the back of his kneck with some water from the basin, his mind slowing to a dead run. He eyed the mirror again, resting his hands on the edge of the sink, studying his eyes, 'There's something missing.' he thought absently. Sighing heavily, he pulled himself up, tearing his eyes off the mirror, as he opened the door letting the steam of the bath rush into the hall. His mind running neutrally through the depths of his subconcious as he moved down the hall to his room, his footsteps heavy. With his hand on the knob he drew himself up, building up the courage to face his life once again. He turned the knob slowly trying to prepare the words before he faced her. He entered the room, his eyes scanning the depths slowly, coming to rest on the futon laid out in the corner. Ayukawa lay there, her chest lifting slightly in rythm as she clutched a pillow in her sleep, her eyes sqeazed tight, sweat beading on her brow. He walked over to her and sat down beside her, gently caressing her brow, she sighed slightly, her eyes releasing some tension. His eyes drew a smile as he watched her sleeping, "So beautiful." his voice gentle. She sighed again, her body draping across the pillow, pinning it underneath her. He let out a heavy sigh, in answer to hers, his features growing heavy again as he shrugged himself upright, moving across the room to the dresser to find a shirt. As if almost sensing his absense her eyes opened. Her vision still effected by a restless sleep, she made out the outline of Kyosuke slowly as he pulled a shirt from the dresser, "Going out?" she asked sleepily. "Um." "Why?" she asked weakly, clutching the pillow tightly. "I have to go take care of a couple of things." he said quickly, a bit of ire in his voice, pulling the shirt down onto his shoulders firmly. "Like you took care of Yusaku?" she queried, her eyes staring into nothingness, her arms sqeazing the pillow tightly. He took in a breath, his eyes as polished steel regarded her over his shoulder, "That..." his mind flashing an image of Yusaku kneeling pittifully before him, bleeding, pulling from his heart the heavy burden of guilt that he had almost managed to shuck, "was nessecary." through clenched teeth. She flinched as his words reached her, "Please," she whimpered, "not like this." her eyes still averted. He knew what she was talking about, and it wasn't Yusaku, or Hikaru, it was them. In all their time together they had managed some kind of understanding, some kind of bond, and it was that bond that was slowly slipping away, he could feel her being taken from him, and he could do nothing but sit and watch. "They deserve whatever comes." he said, grabbing his jacket and leaving the room, no longer able to stand being so close to the one he had let down the most. "Anata?" she queried as he closed the door, pleading to him to stay. Sinking into the futon as the door hissed to a close she whispered gently, "Otoosan." * * * Yusaku stood at the door to Hikaru's home, his mind rambling over what had happened the night before. The vision of Kyosuke's contempt had brought to bear some painfull memories and made some new ones. His eyes drew out until his vision was obscured by the picture of Madoka, bunched together, clutching her stomach, coughing violently, then switched to a younger Madoka standing in front of him, facing a group of thugs squarely protecting him. "Yusaku-san?" Hikaru's mother inquired, "Are you here for Hikaru-chan?" "Uhhh," he mummbled nervously, "hai." She smiled gently and motioned him in, closing the door behind him as he entered. He took off his shoes quickly, and awaited escort to Hikaru. "Just go on back to her room." she dismissed him, smiling. "Uh, hai." with a nod and followed the hall to Hikaru's door, rapping gently on the poster. "Come in!" Hikaru bellowed from inside. He opened the door quickly, moving inside and closing the door behind him. "Ohayo Hikaru-san." he nodded to her as he turned away from the door. "What's up?" she smiled, sitting on the bed in lotus. "I..." he began hesitantly, "wanted to talk to you about something." kneeling on a cusion close to the closet, his eyes on the floor. "Sure." her eyes shining absently. "Umm, " adjusting his cloathing. "I wanted to..." sweat starting to bead on his forehead as he sought for the right words to express his concern. "I wanted to explain..." he stopped, shaking his head and building his courage, his eyes on the floor, "I can't be around you anymore, Hikaru." he spat out. Her eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing him, "Why?" she queried, picking up his lead. "It's..." speaking with his hands, "It's because of what happened last week." She eyed him angrily, "What you did to Madoka-san isn't right." he stated flatly, his eyes compassionette, trying desperately place it firmly in her mind with his gaze. "And if you can do that to a friend, I don't want to be around you." he cut the air with an open hand. "Oh," she hissed contemptuously, her gaze cold, "is that right?" her ire growing with every passing moment, her muscles clenching. He winced as her words slammed into his mind, breaking down the wall that he had started to build, rushing all of what he tried so despertately to bury deep up to the surface, making his hands quiver in agony. "You stole her future." his eyes shut tight, his head turned to the wall in digust as the images ran through his mind. "Is this what you call friendship?" she said bitingly. "You stole both their lives from them," he paused, "Madoka-san's and Kyosuke-san's." then staring directly into her eyes. "You stole his child, is that what you call love?" his voice tearing strait through her. "GET OUT!!" she screamed, pointing violently to the door, "GET OUT!!" she repeated. "You took from them what they wanted most," crushing her will with his glare, "and all in the name of love. You disgust me." Hikaru, her eyes burning with hatred as she faced drew back her hand and laid it flat across his face, the sound of the strike echoing through the house as he pulled his eyes back to her gaze and got to his feet, leaving her to rot in her mire of hatred. As the door closed behind him Hikaru could feel the anger fail her, her arms dropping to her sides, limp. She slumped down to kneel, alone. Her head in her hands, she began sob quietly, and alone. * * * Yusaku stood, staring at the knob of the door before him, his hand inces away from it. His heart throbbing dully, he turned away from it, leaving her behind. "Yusaku-san?" Hikaru's mother approaching him, "Is everything allright?" a worried look on her brow. "Hai." he smiled slightly, heading for the door, "Thank you for your time." he bowed deeply, opening the door, his mind reeling with pain as he put his shoes on. "Saiyonara." Hikaru's mother said nervously. He nodded slightly over his shoulder and closed the door behind him. With the door closed behind him he looked back at it for a long moment, his eyes sunk deeply, "Saiyonara, Hikaru-chan." This brought to you by, Fifth Way Productions Producer................................D. Jones [big bro with 486 & internet account] Staff writer............................Matt J. [the original crazed lunatic/axemurderer/otaku] Faceless Minions........................Numerous Colledge Students [lunch] Special thanks to: And!... anyone who reads this. Please send comments/flames to djones@ionet,net. Notice: those who extend the barriers of normal conversation will be dealt with. And now a toast, "To close friends... whom we are about to eat." Other works available from Fifth Way: "It's Something In Your Eyes." KOR novelette. Part I: "From Two to One" Part II: "A Price To Be Paid" Part III: "Promises In The Dark" Part IV: "Dream No More" Part V: "In The Heart's Eye" Part VI: "Strategem" "The Seduction Of Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon. Part I: "Ukyou's Secret Technique!" Part II: "Lum's Evil Plan #35!" Part III: "Moroboshi! This Is Not A Go-Go Bar!" Not Yet Available: "~Eyes" KOR novelette. Part VII: "The End Of An Era" "~Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon Part IV: "Ryoga: The Mighty Stud-Double" --- Foreword: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes Part VI "Strategem" Kyosuke stood at the top of the 99.5 steps, looking down their length. The cool November breeze blew chills through his body, his hands shoved firmly in his pockets. He watched as the fallen leaves blew across thier scape, sending ripples of sound to his ears. Visions of the past filled his head as he studied the landscape for some sign of reason, or clue to the mystery before him. The sounds of children playing gleefully, pulling his mind through the dimmed shades his self-disgust to softer times. He looked down the steps once more, his face contorted with grief as he began to turn away. Then out of the corner of his eye, he saw it gliscen slightly in the sun's rays. His curiosity peeked, he turned to it and walked down the steps kneeling down. His hand outstretched, he picked up a small ring, a bright, sparkling saphire imbeded in it's center. His eyes dazzled by it's brilliance he held it up to the light. Watching, amazed as it's colors shined brightly, "Hey Mister." Kyosuke turned, finding before him a little girl, her eyes bright with life. "Yes?" he queried sweetly. "Whatcha' got there?" the little girl asked courageously, gesturing to the ring. "Just something I picked up." eyeing th ring, an idea springing into his mind. "Would you like it?" he motioned it to her. "Gee! Thanks!" her eyes wide she started for it, but stopped, her eyes gaze dropping to the ground, herr head hung low, "But, momma says nothin's free." "Hmm," he murmured, "she's right you know." a frown across his brow, "Tell you what," he offered lightly, "you can have this ring for two smiles." The little girls eyes grew big, "Wow, what a deal!" "Yup," Kyosuke agreed, "best deal in town." nodding. "Okay, shake." she stuck out her hand confidently. He took her hand with a gentle smile, and shook it lightly, the little girl laughing gayly as she made a production of giving him two big smiles. "Here you go, and thank you." Her eyes shining, "Okay! Bye, bye!" waving as she ran off to show off her new jewelry. Kyosuke sat on his ankles for a moment staring at her as she ran off to her friends, the little girls mother just arriving. He smiled as the little girl ran to her, "Okaasama!" His heart a little lighter, he got to his feet and proceeded down the stairs, leaving behind something, and in the process, finding something new in himself, a sense of the future. * * * Kurumi and Ojiichan stood in the shadows of a tree waiting for Akane and her Obaachan to return after their errend. "Do you think it will work?" she asked nervously. After all, her brother was more than a bit slow. "Don't worry," he responded, peeking around the tree. "Akane and Obaachan are good actors, and I don't think their performance will be wasted, even if it is Kyosuke were talking about." "I hope you're right." she rasped under her breath, catching sight of the two they awaited coming in from their task. She waved to them excitedly, "How did it go?" she asked anxiously. Akane, bouncing up to the two behind the tree swung 'round and transformed into a small girl with huge expressive eyes, "Couldn't of planned it better!" * * * Kyosuke strolled down the street, his hands shoved firmly into his pockets. The run in he had with the little girl had done much to change his mood, but he still could not get the images that tormented out of the fore- most of his mind. He stopped, breathing deeply as his mind began to tumble through the scenario again, as a young couple walked by him arm in arm. He could feel the ache of his heart as he saw her smile at the young man. He shifted his shoulders and walked on, the dull pain in his soul neverr letting him forget who he was. That's alll he wanted to do, forget, forget it all. Everything that happened, everything that ever was, but even as the thoughts ran across the scape of his mind, he rejected them. 'Forget it all?' he thought, 'Not if it means forgetting Ayukawa.' His stride sure as he placed his feet heavily on the pavement, his arms pulled against him against the chill. He walked, and kept on walking, his feet starting to hurt as the sun started to set in the west over the high towers of the city. Somehow he had found his way to the spot, the exact spot that it had happened only a week ago, even though it seemed like an eternity. 'Eternity.' he thought, his mind glancing over images of Ayukawa as he pulled her close and promised just that, eternity. "Yeah, right." he said aloud, his voice resounding inside his mind. The gentle sound of children playing rippled to him, one laugh in particular caught his ear. He turned, looking to a set of swings down the hill by a sand box. The figure of a girl of four years sat in the box, her body glowing with a dim light, drawing out in kanji, 'Eternity'. "That's right poppa, " she said, still looking directly into the sand, "I'm here for eternity." she continued happily. "Always innocent, and always happy." then, her eyes fixing him, "Go find your eternity." and with that she phased out of sight, leaving behind only the kanji, Always With You. Kyosuke, stunned by what he saw, shook his head violently, then looked again, the kanji staring back at him. 'It had to be a trick!' his mind raved, 'A hallucination! A trick of the light.' Then, behind and above him, he heard the gentle ripple of young laughter, rising out of his grasp. His eyes trained on the sandbox as a cloud of leaves floated past, erasing the writing from sight. And there he stood for moments on end, the breeze working a chill into his bones, until the last rays of the sun were overtaken by night. * * * Kurumi and her grandparents stood behind a tree, staring at a dazed Kyosuke. "I wonder where Akane-san is? She should have made her appearance by now." Kurumi began, puzzled by her brother's actions and her cousin's absense. "I agree." Ojiichan answered, "Something must have gone wrong." His wife, working the chill out of her hands nervously, "Maybe we should look for her?" Kurumi nodded violently, starting to worry as well as building up quite a bit of ire, "She might be lost, or.." She didn't need to finish, and Ojiichan made sure she didn't, interjecting with, "Let's go." and strutted out in front, the two ladies in tow. In moments they ran into Akane, sitting on the swings, obviously bored out of her mind, waving at the trio as they approached, "Oi, where have you guys been?" her chin resting on a closed fist. "Waiting for you that's what!" Kurumi stated, loudly. Her ire rising to the brim. "Why didn't you do your thing?" Akane, puzzled, "But I was supposed to wait for Kyosuke-san to show." "Akane-chan, please." Obaachan chided, "He just left that spot" she pointed, "right there, not but five minutes ago." "Eh?" Akane queried, then her tounge in knots, beemused, "But... but..." "But nothing!" Kurumi said, facing her squarely, "Are you trying to get Madoka-san away from oniichan again?" she queried fiercly. "No!" Akane answered, a little defensive, "I meant what I said!" Ojiichan, sensing the tension growing between the two, jumped between them, eager to prevent a conflict, "Well," throwing an arm around each of them, "it looks like we'll just have to try again. No harm done, I had expected to do our trick at least four times, considering how slow poor Kyosuke-chan is." he mused, "Now, let's go get something to eat before we starve in this cold." pulling the two along. "Come along dear." calling back to his wife. "Hmmph." Akane grunted, looking away from Kurumi's general direction as Kurumi reciprocated perfectly. * * * Yusaku kneeled in the center of the dojo, dressed in a perfect white gi, his mind casting over events passed as he sat absolutely still, his eyes closed to all light around him. He could see in his mind's eye Ayukawa bent over herself, wretching, then Kyosuke drunk and flaming, then a slight Hikaru, her face angry, her eyes soft as she struck him violently, then to Madoka again. Her eyes squeazed shut, leaking the tears of agony as her future was ripped away, then again to Kyosuke, wretching into a bush as he struggled to forget what he, Yusaku had allowed to happen. Then again to Hikaru, her fist clenched as she struck him down with all her might, her malice clogging his lungs, making every shaking breath he took taste rancid as his mind cried in agony, screaming for a release. With one final stroke he wripped his gi open, exposing his stomach, dashing the images from his mind as he prayed for courage, and forgiveness. He took the blade in his hand, aiming the razor sharp edge down to the mat underneath him gipping tightly the white wrapped hilt and turned it toward his bare stomach, poising his body for one final stroke of justice. He pulled back as the tears started to flow down his cheeks and sighed, his head thrown back as he whispered one last prayer, "I pray you, let this be her pennence." and with the force of vengeance, he stuck, running the blade inside himself, twisting it round, then pulling up as the pain set in. His hands shook as his gip failed, the mass of blood starting to flow around him, his eyes opened wide as a trickle of blood spouted out of his mouth. He felt a cold breeze blow over him, chilling him to the bone as he lay there, waiting to die. * * * Hikaru sat on the bed in her room staring longingly our the window as the first snow of the year gently fell on the crowded streets below. The holidays finally felt like the holidays, but she didn't feel much like celebrating, alone. She could hear the buzz of the phone, screaming for attention in the background, bringing her out of day dreams of days past. She sat back, staring at the cieling, her face blank. "Hikaru-chan?" she winced at the sound of her name, her mother urgently knocking on the door, "There's a phone call for you." She got up reluctantly, not wanting to leave the warm familiarity of her sloth, opening the door and following the hall to the phone, where it sat, waiting patiently for her. * * * The snow drifted down slowly, it's mass clogging the sight of bare trees and blank buildings, collecting on the ground only to dissapate quickly. The gentle howl of the wind as it ripped through the city streets threw it's chill across the landscape. And with a sudden jolt, the shrill cry of a broken heart tore through the gentle scene leaving behind it only memories. Thank you for reading this, my first fan-fic. I would be more than happy to hear any comments. Please direct any comments/flames to djones@ionet.net Special thanx to my big bro for letting me submit this on his system, and for the use of his e-mail adress for use in aquiring any comments that come my way. And to Matsumoto-sama for creating such a wonderful work to inspire. And of course and extra special thanx to the women in my life who made all this possible. This brought to you by, Fifth Way Productions Producer................................D. Jones [big bro with 486 & internet account] Staff writer............................Matt J. [the original crazed lunatic/axemurderer/otaku] Faceless Minions........................Numerous Colledge Students [lunch] Special thanks to: And!... anyone who reads this. Please send comments/flames to djones@ionet,net. Notice: those who extend the barriers of normal conversation will be dealt with. And now a toast, "To close friends... whom we are about to eat." Other works available from Fifth Way: "It's Something In Your Eyes." KOR novelette. Part I: "From Two to One" Part II: "A Price To Be Paid" Part III: "Promises In The Dark" Part IV: "Dream No More" Part V: "In The Heart's Eye" Part VI: "Strategem" "The Seduction Of Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon. Part I: "Ukyou's Secret Technique!" Part II: "Lum's Evil Plan #35!" Part III: "Moroboshi! This Is Not A Go-Go Bar!" Not Yet Available: "~Eyes" KOR novelette. Part VII: "The End Of An Era" "~Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon Part IV: "Ryoga: The Mighty Stud-Double" --- Foreword: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes Part VII "End Of An Era" Hikaru slumped to the floor, cradling the phone in her hands, her grip on it slip. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she stared down at it, trying to see some reason, some answer to her loss. She could hear the gentle voice over the phone question the absence of her voice. Then, a hard click snapped across her body as the conection was interupted, her body flinched at the sound as her vision blurred, the tears starting to flow. She sat, whimpering into the phone as it screamed to her that no one there. Hikaru pulled herrself up slowly, leaving the reciever dangling as she left it for her room, not stopping when her mother, her eyes choked with worry, ran down the hall to her, covering her with love. She closed her door behind her, her mother standing at the threshold, trying to quell her daughters pain, not knowing what had effected her daughter so. Hikaru stood in the center off the room, her body numb, her mind reeling through the words she had heard, "....It's Yusaku-san....he's... he's dead. He commited sepuku last night....Hikaru-san?" the voice in her head questioning the silence of the memory. Then, with one last whimper, the wave of emotion caught her in it's toe, "NOOOOOOO!!!!" she screamed, her body overcome with rage, loss, guilt she threw her hands against the hard wood of her desk again, and again, her blood flying about the room, splashing dropplets clouded by tears on her face. She slumped over herself, her body spent, her body numb with regret, loss, she fell to her knees, her leags spread behind her, her buttocks resting on the floor beneath her and sobbed, her blood clogged hands covering her face as she cried herself numb and slept, her body crumpled. Her mind caught in a restless, dreamless sleep, completely and utterly alone. * * * Kyosuke awoke, his eyes clogged with sleep as he rolled over, his hands searching the futon for Ayukawa's warm body, it was no where to be found. He rubbed his eyes and searched his memory, then found the reason for her absence. 'She had been sleeping in Kurumi's futon for the last few days.' he thought, remembering the first night that this arrangement came to be. 'Ayukawa's eyes had been hard as he awoke from his alchohol induced sleep.' he flinched inadvertantly as he mind recanted the events. He sat up and threw off the covers, exposing the rumpled cloathes about his body he had forgotten to remove the night before. He dropped his head into his hands, trying to think upon what he should do. His expeirience last night, "Was it a dream?" he queried aloud as his mind ran over the night before, 'No.' he shook his head lightly, bemused. "No," he affirmed aloud, "not a dream, but if not a dream..." his eyes staring down at the vacant futon. * * * Ayukawa lay in the futon, bundled heavily against the morning chill, listening as the gentle rumble of the shower stopped. Her ears strained to hear everything as the sound of a door opening echoed through the house, she could feel her heart pound as she lay there, her eyes wide staring at the wall, clutching a pillow in her arms. The door opened, she could feel his eyes on her. Stunned, too scared to react, she lay utterly motionless and closed her eyes tight. Kyosuke stood in the doorway, looking onto Ayukawa in the futon, he walked over to her silently. Then, sitting at the edge of the futon, he stroked her hair gently, pushing it away from her face. Beads of perspiration covered her brow. His eyes grew deep with concern as he looked on, her eyes set heavily in her face. He caressed her cheek lightly, his heart aching dully as he touched her soft skin. After what felt like minutes, he got to his feet and left, closing the door silently behind him, leaving Ayukawa to sit alone, lost in indecision. Her mind was lost, 'What just happened?' she asked silently, trying to find in herself a reason, some kind of answer to her delimma. Her mind ran over the events, her body trying to remember every single touch. 'It felt as if,' she began, 'as if he was saying goodbye.' her hand running over the spot he had touched. She sat up like a shot, her eyes wide with fright. She jolted to her feet, sprinting for the door, her body aching slightly as the cold air whooshed in it's wake. She ran down the hall to the open door of Kyosuke's room, looking on him as he stood in front of the dresser, running his hands round it, trying to find a shirt. She stood in the doorway, caught in the waves of emotion that engulfed her as he looked up. "Are you going out again?" trying desperately to hold back the tears as she gripped the jam tightly. His eyes pulled away from her as he searched the dresser, finding a shirt and pulling it on. "I have to." he answered simply, his eyes on the floor. "Ayukawa.." his eyes gazing into hers, his heart aching dully as he searched for words, then dropped to the floor again, lost. "I see." her heart constricting in anguish, turning away from him, unable to take in the scene, her eyes starting to drip slow tears. "Be sure to dress warmly," she stated weakly, lost for words enough to tell him how she felt. "It's cold today." her voice shaking slightly. Kyosuke watched her leave, his soul peirced through to the core. He wanted so much to take her in his arms and tell her he loved her, tell her...but he couldn't. Something inside him still longed for release. Something so dark that he dared not look it's way. His thoughts were interupted as Kurumi stood, rapping on the door gently before entering and closing the door behind her. "So, what's up oniichan?" she gazed at him, her eyes picking at every detail. "Going out again I see." stepping up to his side, an arm around his shoulder as he nodded, pulling out a pair of heavy wool socks. "I wanted to talk to you." "What about?" he queried, turning and sitting down to slide the socks on. "Well," Kurumi began, sitting down beside him. "it's kind of complicated." her eyes on the cieling, "Where to begin?" she asked rhetorically, scratching her chin. "Well," she shrugged, "how about..." pulling her fist back, "HERE!" she let fly into Kyosuke's stunned jaw, sending him backwards. "What was that for!?" he complained, obviously angered by Kurumi's punch. "What are you stupid?!" she screamed back at him. "Do you think you're the only one in pain here?!" grabbing him by the collar, "Ayukawa-san's in my room crying her eyes out!" He shrugged Kurumi's hold on him off forcefully, grabbing at his jacket, "I can't do anything about that right now." Kurumi, fuming, "What do you mean 'you can't do anything about it'?!" throwing her hands up in exasperation, "Your her fience' for pete's sake!" she bellowed as he headed for the door. "Answer me!" pulling him around to face her, his eyes like wounds, his face passive, "Why?!" "Because I don't deserve her." catching Kurumi off guard, she released her grip as he left the room. Kurumi staggered, trying to recover. She followed him out the door swiftly, "What do you mean?" looking down the hall to see him phase out before her. "Hmmph!" throwing her hair back. * * * Ayukawa stood silent, her ear to the door as she listened to the commotion in the hall, her heart heavy. She sniffed slightly and rubbed the tears from her cheek, and in a whisper, "Oh, Kasuga-chan." * * * Komatsu stood at the door to the Kasuga residence, his face long and tired, his eyes concerned. He hated being the bearer of bad tidings, but someone had to do it, and he would rather it be him. 'Those two have so many problems,' he thought morosely, 'they surely don't need this.' Then, straitening himself, he rapped on the door lightly, the chill in his fingers making the simple task painfull. Manami opened the door, smiling slightly, "Konbonwa, Komatsu-san. Please, come in." motioning for him to enter. He nodded slightly, then followed her hand in, taking off his shoes as he did so. "Konbonwa, Manami-san." Manami, noticing this change in attitude, queried, "What brings you here?" motioning for him to follow her to the kitchen. Komatsu, working his hands nervously, "I really came to see Kyosuke-san. I have some news for him." not sure how to put it. "Oh," Manami began, nodding to Kurumi as she appeared around the corner, "he's not here right now, but he should be home soon if you would like to wait." "Well," Komatsu, his head hanging between his shoulders, "this news concerns you too." "Oh?" Kurumi queried, drawing Komatsu's eyes to her. "And Madoka-san, as well." Komatsu finished, his hands trying to find something to do. "It's..." his eyes looking anywhere but to the two curious faces, "It's just that Hikaru-chan called me this afternoon..." Both Kurumi and Manami flinched visibly at the sound of Hikaru's name, it was obvious that she was not welcome in their house. "So?" Kurumi responded, a little angry. "And said that..." he paused, trying to find the words, "that Yusaku is dead." Manami, stunned, dropped the porciline tray she was preparing, sending an audible CRACK! throughout the house. "He..." Komatsu continued as Kurumi slowly slid down the wall, "he commited sepuku last night." "But..." Manami, choked, struggling for words as she stared, unmoving at the others, her mind reeling with shock. They stood there for minutes on end, the trio too wrapped in their own emotions to break the accursed silence. 'Nothing makes sense!' Kurumi raved to herself as she sat on the floor trying to find something that tied it together, some reason for the things happening around her. "Kurumi?" came a voice from behind her, down the hall. "What's wrong?" Ayukawa asked, walking up to her, her eyes full of worry, "Oh," seeing Komatsu for the first time. "Komatsu-san, what are you doing here?" "Maybe," Manami began, trying to find herself in the waves of emotion that engulfed her. "you'd better sit down." This brought to you by, Fifth Way Productions Producer................................D. Jones [big bro with 486 & internet account] Staff writer............................Matt J. [the original crazed lunatic/axemurderer/otaku] Faceless Minions........................Numerous Colledge Students [lunch] Special thanks to: And!... anyone who reads this. Please send comments/flames to djones@ionet,net. Notice: those who extend the barriers of normal conversation will be dealt with. And now a toast, "To close friends... whom we are about to eat." Other works available from Fifth Way: "It's Something In Your Eyes." KOR novelette. Part I: "From Two to One" Part II: "A Price To Be Paid" Part III: "Promises In The Dark" Part IV: "Dream No More" Part V: "In The Heart's Eye" Part VI: "Strategem" Part VII: "The End Of An Era" "The Seduction Of Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon. Part I: "Ukyou's Secret Technique!" Part II: "Lum's Evil Plan #35!" Part III: "Moroboshi! This Is Not A Go-Go Bar!" Not Yet Available: "~Eyes" KOR novelette. Part VIII: "Welcome To The Edge" "~Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon Part IV: "Ryoga: The Mighty Stud-Double" --- Foreword: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes Part VIII "Welcome To The Edge" Kyosuke sat, his head down, his fingers figiting nervously as he litsened to the gentle music flow to him. Ayukawa took his hand in hers as they watched the proceedings. 'Everyone had shown up to Yusaku's memorial, even, Kyosuke flinched, Hikaru.' He looked behind him nervously, and he could see her, three rows back, smiling and giggling, hanging on a young man in a leather jacket that said 'Jackels' over his heart, his feet up on the pew. Kyosuke fumed and turned front again, 'It was bad enough that she actually showed up, but this!' he thought, trying to tone down his anger. Ayukawa squeazed his hand and smiled at him, feeling his tension. He could see Yusaku's mother up front and wondered if she would make it, 'It's got to be tough.' he thought, trying to keep his thoughts away from what Hikaru was doing to make this moment harder than it had to be. Hikaru let out a laugh, catching the attention of everyone there, their eyes cold, "Oops." she said aloud, giggling slightly and sinking back into the young man's chest. "Hey, babe." the young man whispered to her, nibbling on her ear, "Let's get outta' here and go find a party." chuckling humorously. "No!" she responded, catching everyones glare once more, "I want to see this." setting her shoulders into her seat. Kyosuke, shrugging off Ayukawa's grip on him, mumbled, "That's it." bowing out of the isle and moving towards the offending couple, fixing cold glare on Hikaru. Hikaru glared back at him, her face contorted in disgust as he approached, "What do you want?" she queried bitingly. "I think," Kyosuke began, setting his shoulders, "you should leave, now." readying himself for a fight. "Who's gonna' make me? You?" the young man rasped, Hikaru's eyes narrowing, clenching her fists as she relaxed into his arm. "That's right." Kyosuke stated firmly, popping his knuckles. "Same here." Komatsu, from behind Kyosuke put in, his arms across his chest. "I'm in." Hatta injected, balling his fists, glaring at the young man. Kyosuke, looking behind him to see his support, looked back to the punk, fixing him with a glare, "So, what's it gonna' be?" The young man chuckled slightly, shaking his head, "Let's go babe." to Hikaru, then to Kyosuke, "We wouldn't want to ruin their little party." as he led Hikaru from the room, "Watch yourself." over his shoulder, his arm around a chuckling Hikaru as they left. "Damn that Hikaru." Komatsu began, "Does she have to ruin everything she touches?" Kyosuke stood, watching them receed out the door, his mind clogged with rage, "I guess so." * * * Hikaru laughed heartily as she snorted one of the lines cut out on the mirror, the white powder sending shoots of energy, vitality through her body as she wiped the excess from her nose, licking the powder from her index finger. The young man beside her pulled her to him as she giggled humorously, slapping at him playfully as he ran his hands over her. She ran a finger down his chest as she lay with her head in his lap, pulling a bottle of Tequila off the floor, to take a swig, dribbling a fair ammount over her chest accidentally. The young man looked down at her soaked chest and dove for it, licking it off her body as she squirmed and giggled, her mind lost in the chemicals she kept pouring into her body. "Hey!" came a shout from across the room as a young man in a black leather jacket stormed over to the two, grabbing her arm and pulling her off him, "What are you doin'?" he screamed into her face. "You came with me!" Hikaru, still chuckling, pointed to him with a shakey finger, slopping alchohol everywhere, "Oooo!" her eyes widening sarcastically, "And that makes you special?!" shrugging off his grip and sitting back down in the second man's lap, running her fingers in his hair, chuckling humorously. "Come on," the man in the leather demanded, grabbing at her arm, "we're leaving." She glared at him, pulling her arm away again, "Don't you get it?!" she screamed at him, her eyes burning with rage, "Get lost!" He grabbed at her again, pulling her to her feet, "Hey!" the man behind her standing up slowly and blocking their way. He thrust out a hand in front of the man in the leather, "Didn't you hear the lady?" he asked menacingly, "Get lost." pulling Hikaru to him, who giggled and stuck her tounge out at the man in the leather. "F*****' bi***!" he bellowed as he stormed out, his eyes filled with malice. "Ooooo." Hikaru mouthed sarcatically, stumbling into the man's chest as she followed him back to their seat. She stradled him and twirled his hair in her fingers, giggling slightly as she pulled another drink from the bottle, then holding it to her chest as she kissed him firmly, her fingers intwined in his hair as she rubbed her body against him. He pulled her closer, feeling the bottle between them, then broke the kiss and took the bottle in his hand, taking a swig before he set it aside, returning his attention to her. She shoved her body against him, kissing him firmly once agian, then breaking the kiss, moving her chest against him, chuckling meniacally as he kissed at her breasts, lifting her up as he pulled them from the couch heading for the bedroom, working their way around the party, Hikaru writhing as she clutched at his body with her legs. Once inside the bedroom, he began to remove her cloathes, Hikaru lost in the drug induced euphoria. He kissed down her stomach and pulled at her skin tight jeans, snapping her awake, "What do you think you're doing?" The man, stunned, still trying to remove her cloathes, "Ah, come on baby, you know you want it." he said, throwing her jeans off to the side. "I said no!" beating at him with her arms as he descended upon her, grabbing her wrists and pinning them to the bed, "God dammit, no!" desperatly trying to push him off her, throwing her knee between his legs. "Aaahhg." he screamed as her blow hit, clutching himself, as she got off the bed and headed for her cloathing. "You think you can leave me like this?!" grabbing at her arm, throwing a backhand into her face. "Aahh!" she yelped as her head hit the post of the western style bed. "You owe me bi***!" moving toward her. * * * Hikaru pryed the sleeping form atop her off, throwing her legs over the side of the bed, her eyes clouded with tears as she gathered her belongings, her head to the ground, she closed the door behind her, her bruised face and body aching dully. * * * Ayukawa lay in Kyosuke's futon waiting patiently for the tell-tale sound of the front door. She had waited since he left earlier this evening. Then, when she decided to go to sleep, she came in here, but it was no use. Kyosuke filled her thoughts, allowing nothing but a restless half awake state as her mind went over and over their run ins of the last few weeks. He seemed so distant lately, coming home in the middle of the night, always smelling of oil and grease, and always going to the shower first thing. He was there at night, to sleep beside her, there was no doubt to that. And yet, even when they made love, on the few occasions that they did, he always seemed far away, like there was something missing inside him. How she longed for those moments when they said more with a look and an embrace than they did with words, but now there wasn't even words, just silence, lonely, and cold. She had been long since healed, but she felt that he needed her here, and he often did, waking up in the middle of the night crying, clinging to her, and she would comfort him and tell him it was allright. But she wasn't sure it would be anymore. All their dreams felt so far away now. Everything they hoped for, longed for, together, seemed as if it was slipping away. She looked at the clock and rolled over, trying to hide herself away from it's prying eyes, somehow feeling that it could see the ache inside her. Her heart jumped as she heard the front door slam shut. She could feel the vibrations of his heavy, tired footsteps through the futon, heard the door to the bathroom open and close. Hear the pipes hiss as he turned on the shower. 'And so another night.' she thought bitterly as she rose from the futon, slipping on her house shoes that Kurumi had gotten for her. She walked to the door and opened it, moving quietly into the kitchen to fix him and herself a snack. 'He was always so hungry when he got home.' she thought absently as she heated the wok, pulling some rice out of the fridge and dumping it in. She heard the shower turn off as she put the rice and vegetables on the table, grabbing her chopsticks and picking at her portion while she waited for him, her ears picking up the sound of the door opening down the hall. "Smell's good." Kyosuke said as he sat down in front of her, lifting his bowl to devour it's contents. She smiled at him slightly and chewed a mouthfull of rice, washing it down with some warm tea. "Where did you go tonight?" she queried idly, staring into her bowl as she played with her food. "Nowhere special." he responded, digging into his food, trying to brush off the subject. "Hmm." she affirmed, chewing a small peice of bell pepper, "So, what did you do today?" "Nothing interesting." still working on his food. "Well," she retorted bitingly, "I might think it's interesting." glaring at her bowl. Kyosuke sighed, puting his bowl down, "Can we just drop this please? I'd like to get some sleep tonight." his annoyance obvious. "Sure," she shrugged, "go ahead, I won't keep you up." grabbing his bowl and heading for the sink, turning on the water. He looked on her, his head cocked to one side, wondering how this got to be an argument. He stood and walked to her side, putting an arm around her. She flinched inadvertantly, producing a worried look from Kyosuke, "What's wrong?" pulling her eyes towards him. "N..Nothing." she strained, gripping the sink tightly. Kyosuke, frustrated by her reaction, pulled away from her, "I'm going to bed." and left for their room. Ayukawa stood alone, staring down into the sink, trying to find the words, the words for anything that wouldn't lead to another arguement. * * * Hikaru closed the front door to her house as silently as she could as she slipped her shoes off, her body aching dully from the effort. Her mind slipped as she strolled down the hall to the bathroom, throwing off her cloathes once inside, with the door shut tight behind her. She jumped into the shower, the water cold at first then running warmer and warmer until the chill in her bones slipped away, leaving only the emptiness inside. She picked up the soap and rubbed it to a lather in her hands, then scrubbed her body ferociously, trying to wash away the ache of what had happened, her eyes welling up with tears. This brought to you by, Fifth Way Productions Producer................................D. Jones [big bro with 486 & internet account] Staff writer............................Matt J. [the original crazed lunatic/axemurderer/otaku] Faceless Minions........................Numerous Colledge Students [lunch] Special thanks to: And!... anyone who reads this. Please send comments/flames to djones@ionet,net. Notice: those who extend the barriers of normal conversation will be dealt with. And now a toast, "To close friends... whom we are about to eat." Other works available from Fifth Way: "It's Something In Your Eyes." KOR novelette. Part I: "From Two to One" Part II: "A Price To Be Paid" Part III: "Promises In The Dark" Part IV: "Dream No More" Part V: "In The Heart's Eye" Part VI: "Strategem" Part VII: "The End Of An Era" Part VIII: "Welcome To The Edge" Part IX: "A Close Kept Secret" Part X: "In Through The Out Door" "The Seduction Of Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon. Part I: "Ukyou's Secret Technique!" Part II: "Lum's Evil Plan #35!" Part III: "Moroboshi! This Is Not A Go-Go Bar!" Not Yet Available: "~Eyes" KOR novelette. Part XI: "A Light Amidst The Shadows" "~Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon Part IV: "Ryoga: The Mighty Stud-Double" --- Foreword: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes Part IX "A Close Kept Secret" Ayukawa stood on the stage at the club, early afternoon, her sax case lay open to her side as she pushed the limit, working the sound around her into a heart-wrenching bluesy rythm. She closed her eyes tight, letting the rythm flow, it's waves carrying her on and out, into oblivion. She was at home here. Here she could do anything, be anything, cause her dreams to come alive in the notes she played. Here there was no pain, only fond memories. The sound of extatic clapping interupted her day dreams, bringing to a halt her fantasy, along with the rythm. "That's pretty good." Shu said from the corner of the room, walking towards her. "Oh," Ayukawa began, blushing slightly, "Sorry, I didn't know anyone was here." pulling her sax off and placing it in it's case. Shu, watching as she set aside her instrument, "Oh, don't let me keep you from practicing." motioning to her sax as she pulled it apart. "No," she dismissed, "I'm done anyway." closing her case and starting for the door. "Ayukawa-chan?" grabbing her arm lightly, "What's wrong?" concern in his eyes. Ayukawa, stunned, her eyes wide, "Wha..what d' you mean?" shaking slightly. Gazing directly into her eyes, "Ayukawa-chan." he chided. She sat down heavily, her sax case making an audible THUMP as it touched the floor, "Never could fool you, could I Shu-chan?" she queried bitterly. Shu, sitting down beside her, "Nope." shaking his head lightly, "So, where did that peice come from?" motioning back to the stage. "I don't know." propping up her chin with her fist, "Maybe..." she paused, bowing her head, " maybe I'm just scared." Shu, leaning in closer, pinning her with his gaze, "What do you mean?" "Well," trying to find the words for her misery, not sure that she could discuss it, even with Shu, "I'm just..." she paused, sighing heavily, resigning herself to shame in his eyes, "I'm just scared he's gonna' leave me." leaning forward to hug her knees. He chuckled slightly, producing a glare from Ayukawa, "Is that all? Gee, I thought you were really in trouble for a while." covering his mouth, tyring to quell his laughter. Ayukawa, getting to her feet, she glared at him coldly, reducing his chuckle to a snicker, "Well, thanks for the concern!" her words tearing through the air at him. Shu, putting a hand on her shoulder as he stood beside her, "It's not that." feeling her tension through the touch, "You are in no danger of losing him, believe me." still snickering slightly. Ayukawa, turning to him, her eyes gliscening in the weak light, "Why do you say that?" interrogating his eyes for some reason to beleive what he had said, some small fact to tip the scales. "Let's just call it," winking at her humorously, motioning to the edge of the stage, "male intuition." Ayukawa hmmphed and sat down again, willing to at least listen, if not understand. "So," Shu began, "tell me what makes you think he's going to leave you." sitting back lazily, propping himself up with his arms. "Well," looking away from him, "he's never around for one thing." starting to get angry, "And he takes off and doesn't come back until two or three in the morning." still angrier, "And he never tells me where he's going, or even where he's been!" her hands working angrily, then, all at once, her body slumped, her eyes gliscening, "And he never talks to me anymore." "Hmm..." Shu began, apparently lost in thought, "It sounds like he's paying." nodding slightly. "Huh?" absolutely lost. Shu sat silent for a second, then looked to her, examining her eyes, "Have you ever heard of 'The Little Mermaid'?" "What?" not sure how this conversation got started. "Well," Shu began, throwing his head back, "the story goes that there was this mermaid, you see. And she really wanted to become human," looking strait at her, "wanted it so much nothing else mattered. And one day her wish came true." he shrugged, leaning towards her, "But at a price. The price being that every step would be the agony of walking on knives, but she was human." nodding slightly. Ayukawa, obviously confused, "What's that got to do with Kasuga-chan?" Shu sighed, raising his eyes to the cieling and shaking his head, "The point, my dear slow cousin, is that nothing comes without a price, which is very often painfull, but for the most part worth it. Kyosuke-san is paying his price," then, his gaze falling on her eyes, pinning her there, "and so are you. All you have to do is ask yourself, is it worth it?" then leaning back comfortably, leaving her to her thoughts. Ayukawa, stunned by his words, sat dumbly, trying to find in herself the courage to ask such a question. She and Kyosuke loved each other, and she would do anything for him, she had never doubted that, but she had never thought about it before. "Shu-chan!" Yukari bellowed, turning the corner from the doorway into the main hall, "Come on, we'll be late! Oh, hi, Madoka-san." smiling brightly at her. "Coming." Shu grunted as he got up from his restfull position. Turning to Ayukawa as he dug through his pockets, finding a set of keys, "Could you do me a favor?" "Huh?" Ayukawa, still captured by her thoughts, looked up at him, dazed, "Sure." shaking her head slightly, trying to clear her thoughts. "Could you pick my bike up from the shop?" holding out a set of keys for her, "I'd do it myself, but we've got a gig tonight." motioning to Yukari and giving a wink. "No problem." taking the keys in her hand, "Where's it at?" "Down at Keiichi's Cycles on fifth, and if they give you any s***, just tell them to call me." moving toward the door, "Thanks Ayukawa-chan!" over his shoulder. "Have fun!" she answered back, suppressing a chuckle, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" "You tell him!" Yukari put in, then to Shu, "Beast, brute!" slapping at him playfully. "Ha, ha." then laughing heartily as they walked out the door, arm in arm. Once they were out of earshot, Yukari leaned in and whispered to him quietly, "How'd it go?" He spread out his hand, making a circle with his thumb and index finger, "Perfectly." then gave a playfull wink. "Good." she nodded, "I hope this works." her expression concerned. Throwing both his arms around her, "There is absolutely nothing to worry about." he assured, squeezing her tightly. "I hope so," she paused, smiling maliciously, "for your sake that is." "Eek!" * * * Ayukawa walked down fifth street, a bag over her shoulder, dressed in leans and a heavy jacket as she approached the shop. A big wood chiseled sign hung over the doorway to the garage, stating that this was 'Keiichi's Cycles'. She looked up at the sign for a moment, making sure that this was the place, then pulled the door open, making the shutters clank against it. She closed the door behind her, approaching the reception desk which was limited to a huge drafting table with various gadgets and doodads bolted to it. A young woman about sixteen sat behind the desk in a greasy coverall, her long black hair tied back in pig tails as she scribbled furiously at a drawing before her stopping momentarily to mumble and chew at the end of her pencil. Ayukawa pushed out a hand, only to draw it back, not sure if she should interupt the girl at her work. A man in a greasy coverall saved her from the task calling to the office from the garage as he walked toward the ajoining door, "Skuld! Is that blueprint ready yet? We're ready start welding. Aaahhhg!" dodging a pencil as he reached the doorway. "Don't bother me!" the girl shrieked, sticking her tounge out and grabbing another pencil, then continuing to scribble on the page furiously. The man was short, very short. So short that Ayukawa almost mistook him for a boy, then the slight wrinkles growing around his eyes confirmed what his voice had suggested, "Oh, hi." he said, shoving out a hand. "May I help you?" Ayukawa walked to the doorway to greet him, shaking his hand firmly. "I'm here to pick up Shu..." her eyes narrowing in on Kyosuke bending over a tire, pulling in into the forks of a Honda, "Kasuga-chan?" "Eh?" looking over his shoulder at Kyosuke, then back to Ayukawa, his eyes wide, scrutinizing her slightly, then, pointing an accusing finger at her, "You must be Ayukawa-san," taking her hand again and shaking it vibrantly, "Kyosuke-san has told us so much about you." his eyes smiling, then over his shoulder, "Kyosuke-san! Guess who's here." Ayukawa, holding up a hand futily, then pulling it back as she smiled weakly at a stunned Kyosuke, as she thought, 'Damn you Shu-chan! You should have told me!' "Ayukawa?" Kyosuke stumbled out, confused, as the girl stopped scribbling to look up at her, scrutinizing her carefully. "Uh, I'm Keiichi," slightly embarassed at the motions of the couple, "and this is my sister-in-law, Skuld." motioning to the girl, still chewing at her pencil, gazing at her slyly. "Kyosuke-san!" Skuld began accusingly, staring down a blushing Kyosuke, "You should have told me she was pretty! Then I would of understood!" tossing a pencil at him, then getting back to her work. "Aah," Keiichi explained, embarassed, "don't mind her, she just gets a little irritable when she's working." hand behind his head, dodging a pencil. "Do not!" Keiichi laughing nervously as Kyosuke walked up, "Well, I'll just let you two talk. Kyosuke-san, go ahead and take your break now, I can manage for a while." turning and walking away. "Ayukawa.." This brought to you by, Fifth Way Productions Producer................................D. Jones [big bro with 486 & internet account] Staff writer............................Matt J. [the original crazed lunatic/axemurderer/otaku] Faceless Minions........................Numerous Colledge Students [lunch] Special thanks to: And!... anyone who reads this. Please send comments/flames to djones@ionet,net. Notice: those who extend the barriers of normal conversation will be dealt with. And now a toast, "To close friends... whom we are about to eat." Other works available from Fifth Way: "It's Something In Your Eyes." KOR novelette. Part I: "From Two to One" Part II: "A Price To Be Paid" Part III: "Promises In The Dark" Part IV: "Dream No More" Part V: "In The Heart's Eye" Part VI: "Strategem" Part VII: "The End Of An Era" Part VIII: "Welcome To The Edge" Part IX: "A Close Kept Secret" Part X: "In Through The Out Door" "The Seduction Of Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon. Part I: "Ukyou's Secret Technique!" Part II: "Lum's Evil Plan #35!" Part III: "Moroboshi! This Is Not A Go-Go Bar!" Not Yet Available: "~Eyes" KOR novelette. Part XI: "A Light Amidst The Shadows" "~Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon Part IV: "Ryoga: The Mighty Stud-Double" --- Foreword: All characters depicted in this fan-work are the property of Matsumoto Izumi, and due for the genius he is in creating such an interesting series. My gratitude Matsumoto-sama, I am in your debt. I have tried to remain true to the characters, changing them only slightly where needed by the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please direct all comments flames to djones@ionet.net, whereupon all comments will be read and all flames promptly deleted. If you like it, I might be persuaded to come up with more, as I already have some ideas on where to go with this. I thank you for reading. And now, on with the show! Something In Your Eyes Part X "In Through The Out Door" Ayukawa waited outside as Kyosuke pulled out Shu's bike and closed the garage door, waving to Keiichi as he did so. He pulled the bike up beside Ayukawa, reving the engine slightly, "Keiichi says we have to go to his place for dinner next week. Belldandy is suppose to making something special." he chuckled slightly. Ayukawa, narrowing her eyes slightly, trying to place the name, "Belldandy?" Kyosuke, pulling his body forward to make room for Ayukawa, "Oh, Bell is Keiichi's wife, Skuld's sister." Ayukawa, making her distaste known, pulled herself to him as she adjusted her pack. "Don't worry," he chuckled humorously, shaking his head slightly, "they're absolutely nothing alike." pulling away as two figures, lurking in the shadows moved into the light. Shu, standing in the shadows, nodded to Yukari, who stood beside him, "See? What did I tell you?" "It's not over yet." Yukari said cynically, nudging him in the ribs, then giggling slightly, "Come on, let's go say hi to Keiichi before he goes home." pulling him toward the door to the garage. * * * Ayukawa clutched onto Kyosuke tightly as they sped, cars blazing by, up the hill, the lights of the city dissappearing behind them. The headlight shined across the pavement as they junted across the highway, reflecting on the bright white border as they sped around a corner, Ayukawa's hair pulling back in the wind. The slowed to a stop halfway up the hill, pulling into a parking spot parallel to the rail, looking down at the base of the hill to the town, it's streets mapped out by rows of lights. She hugged him tightly, shutting out the cold chill of winter in his arms. Kyosuke leaned forward, shutting off the bike. They sat for a time, just staring down at the thing they both hated most. The walls that had grown between them since that fatal day were starting to break, and they could feel it. Kyosuke put his hand in his breast pocket, taking out a small slip of paper and handing it to Ayukawa, "I was going to save it for a surprise, but I guess you should know." She looked at as she pulled herself off his back. "It's an invoice." she stated, confused, looking to him as he nodded, "For..." her eyes grew wide, her gaze moving to Kyosuke. He smiled lightly, caressing her cheek, "I don't know what to say." she stuttered. Kyosuke, her eyes filled with compassion, "Then say yes." Ayukawa, close to tears, pulled the peice of paper to her chest, then threw her arms around him, "Yes!" He smiled gently, squeazing her arms to his chest as his heart thumped inside his chest, he felt alive again, alive. "What say we go get something to eat. Hamburger steak okay?" "Anything," still clinging to him, her eyes shining in the moonlight, finding a new appetite, for life "I'm ravenous." Kyosuke smiled as he started the bike, a feeling of warmth spreading across his body as Ayukawa pulled to him tightly. They were off down the hill like a shot, their hearts singing as one as the engine hummed beneath them. * * * Hikaru laughed heartily, her nose red from abuse, hanging all over some faceless man in black as he pulled her along the walkway, apperently saying something witty. Her body tingled as she stubbed a toe and went sprawling, still laughing violently, then getting control of herself as she pushed herself up, suppressing the painfull chuckles into a giggle as the approached the burger joint they were headed for. He opened the door and stumbled in with her in tow, straitening up slightly. She strutted to the table, the man in black edging along behind her, grabbing at her ass as she moved, causing her to giggle profusely. Kyosuke sat with Madoka in the corner by the window, trying hard not to get angry at the interuption. He didn't need this, not now, not when things were going so well. 'Dammit!' he thought, scrunching himself into his seat, trying hard not to be seen. "Ayukawa," grabbing her hand across the table, "let's go someplace else." She nodded absently, looking at the huge hamburger steak before her, wishing that Hikaru had picked a different time to show up here, when she heard the familiar voice echo across the room. "Well, well." Hikaru chuckled, hanging onto her escort desperately, trying hard not to fall in her stupor, "Look who's here!" spinning about, humorously, making a show for the patrons, then, glaring directly at the pair, "Bury any friends lately?" Kyosuke straitened his shoulders, offering Ayukawa his arm, "Let's go." then walking towards the door, strait past Hikaru. "What's wrong?" Hikaru queried sarcastically, her expression switching to super-cute,"Oh," she played at looking down at her watch, "I must of forgot. It's about time for the kiddies to go to bed." putting her hand to her cheek as she laughed. Ayukawa, shrugging off Kyosuke's restraint stepped up to Hikaru, rage burning in her eyes, "You got a problem?!" Hikaru, standing toe to toe with Ayukawa, "Yeah, you wanna' do something about it, Madoka no aho?!" The man in black stopped laughing, staring at the two, his mouth working the words without sound, 'Madoka', 'Madoka The Pick', 'Chukisho'. He was up out of his chair pullling at Hikaru, "Come on babe," as she shrugged off his grip. "some other time." to Ayukawa, who stood motionless, staring into Hikaru's eyes menacingly. Kyosuke stood behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Don't waste your time." as Ayukawa stood silent for tense moments that seemed to have no end, then turned to him and grabbed his arm, following him out the door. Hikaru, blazing with rage at their inattention, screamed as they receeded, "You better watch you a**!" her fists chenched. Ayukawa stopped in her tracks, looking back to Hikaru, she fixed her with a cold glare, "I'll do that." then left, leaving Hikaru fuming, alone in the resteraunt with her escort staring at her in awe. "Are you nuts?" * * * Hikaru awoke slowly, her eyes still hazed over with the lingering effects of the night before. She looked over at a stranger, she had no idea why she chose him after she ditched that loser. 'What a spinless wimp.' she thought to herself as she searched her scattered memory for a name for the man beside her. She gave up finally, deciding to call him something sweet. He had been sweet to her, no more than the rest, but he had been sweet. She threw her legs out of the covers, her body nude, her legs aching from the nights ventures. She stumbled to her feet and grabbed her bag, pullin it along with as she found the door to the bathroom of the small two room apartment. Throwing her bag on the counter, she closed the door behind her, locking it tightly. She turned on the water, playing with the faucet as she dug through her bag to find what she was looking for. She pulled out a large bottle of pills that some nameless thug had given her a few days ago, ttaking one out as she lay the bottle aside, throwing the pill to the back of her throat and gulping it down. She looked down to the sink and pushed her hands in, the cold water sending shivers down her spine. 'It feels so good.' she thought as she pulled up two handfulls of water and splashed her face. She opened her eyes slowly, looking strait into the mirror, then to the reflection of the shower behind her and considered taking one. She rarely did these days, and what was the point, any man who would want her wouldn't care about a little smell. She tabled the thought and stared at the door, considering what she planned for the day, her mind strolling over the possibility of getting wacked again. She liked it when she was screwed up, she didn't have to think about anything then, she didn't have to feel anything either. She looked at the bottle of pills and considered it, picking it up off the counter, then spilling some out in her hand, rolling them about. She downed them quickly, feeling them grind down her throat as she sighed. She looked at herself one last time, studying the intricate wrinkles and bags that had appeared almost out of nowhere. She sighed, her fingers pulling at her eyes, inspecting the bags beneath them, then dumped her bag out, finding her makeup and began to apply it, first lightly, then heavier as it decidedly did not seem to cover anything up. * * * She stepped out of the bath, dressed in comparatively clean cloathes and ready for another day. The man was up and in the kitchen making breakfast. "Morning." he smiled at her, pouring out a cup of coffee for her. "Ummm.." she smiled back at him, taking the cup in her hands, then taking a bottle out of her bag and adding a snippet of bourbon to taste. The man shook his head and chuckled slightly, pulling a sip from his cup. "What?" she responded, a little dejected. "Nothing." "Hmmph." taking a sip, smiling as the waves of forgetfullness echoed through her body. The slight burn in her tummy telling her that it wasn't long before she would be secure in her bliss. "So," the man queried, smiling slightly, his brow cocked to one side. "did you enjoy yourself last night?" "Oh, yes." she lied, her voice dripping honey, then finishing her cup, she pushed it to him for more, repeating the scene meticulously. "Hey," he queried, his eyes concerned, "maybe you ought to slow down a bit eh?" Her expression bored, she dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand, taking in the contents of the cup greedily. Finished, she placed it on the counter and stumbled to her bag, feeling very comfortable, then bringing it back to the counter, she leaned over the counter and kissed him firmly, her lipstick leaving a mark on his lips. "Thanks for coffee," she slithered, "but I've got to go." patting his cheek affectionatly, wondering why she was so tired. She yawned slightly, then moved to the door, her head swimming. Her hand on the knob, she swooned, trying desperately to hold her balance, she turned, "On second thought, maybe I ought to say here for a while." dropping to the floor over her bag. He was up out of his seat like a shot, moving quickly to her side. He pulled up her head and pryed an eye open, staring into it, "Chukisho!" cursing through his teeth, "Come on," pulling her arm over his shoulder, "we're gonna' get you to a hospital." This brought to you by, Fifth Way Productions Producer................................D. Jones [big bro with 486 & internet account] Staff writer............................Matt J. [the original crazed lunatic/axemurderer/otaku] Faceless Minions........................Numerous Colledge Students [lunch] Special thanks to: And!... anyone who reads this. Please send comments/flames to djones@ionet,net. Notice: those who extend the barriers of normal conversation will be dealt with. And now a toast, "To close friends... whom we are about to eat." Other works available from Fifth Way: "It's Something In Your Eyes." KOR novelette. Part I: "From Two to One" Part II: "A Price To Be Paid" Part III: "Promises In The Dark" Part IV: "Dream No More" Part V: "In The Heart's Eye" Part VI: "Strategem" Part VII: "The End Of An Era" Part VIII: "Welcome To The Edge" Part IX: "A Close Kept Secret" Part X: "In Through The Out Door" "The Seduction Of Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon. Part I: "Ukyou's Secret Technique!" Part II: "Lum's Evil Plan #35!" Part III: "Moroboshi! This Is Not A Go-Go Bar!" Not Yet Available: "~Eyes" KOR novelette. Part XI: "A Light Amidst The Shadows" "~Ataru" UY/Ranma/DP lemon Part IV: "Ryoga: The Mighty Stud-Double"