burningdarkfire (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
burningdarkfire) wrote2011-04-18 06:05 pm
burningdarkfire) wrote2011-04-18 06:05 pm
Falling For You - 24. Evening [TRC; KuroFai]
Title: Falling For You - Evening
Series: TRC
Pairing: KuroFai
Rating: PG
Length: about 5500 words, chapter 24 (24/26)
"I can't believe it," Himawari whispered, wiping her tears off her cheeks, although they were soon replaced by fresh ones. Souma nodded in understanding. "I can't believe after all these years together, we're finally parting ways."
"Don't cry, Himawari-chan!" Watanuki sprang to her side and took her hands into his own. "We'll see each other whenever we can, and if you ever get lonely or need someone to talk to, you can always call me, okay? I'll always be here for you, Himawari-chan!" He finished earnestly, thrusting his arm into the air in a grand gesture and nearly knocking their teacher out as he walked by.
"Watanuki-san!" The teacher snapped, straightening his glasses. "Control yourself!"
Himawari giggled. "You're so funny, Watanuki-kun."
Watanuki beamed. Doumeki came up from behind Watanuki and nodded at her. "Kunogi-chan," he said solemnly. "That smile suits you more than the tears."
"Thank you, Shizuka-kun." Himawari smiled gently at him.
Watanuki swelled up and turned around to prod Doumeki in the chest. "Where did you come from and just why do you think you can tell Himawari-chan she doesn't look good in everything? Himawari-chan is the cutest girl there is!"
Himawari blushed. "You're always so kind, Watanuki-kun."
Watanuki puffed his chest out proudly and turned back around. "Anything for you, Himawari-chan. I'm sorry you have to endure this idiot's company!"
"I came to ask if you wanted to look at the corsages and boutonnières after school today," Doumeki informed Watanuki.
"Corsages and …" Watanuki frowned. "Don't couples usually go to pick them out together?"
The other five stared at him expectantly.
"…Oh." Watanuki was stunned into a rare moment of silence. " … Oooh."
Himawari, Souma, and Fai all burst into laughter. Kurogane twitched slightly, trying to repress his grin.
"I'll meet you at your locker at three." Doumeki left, as seemingly emotionless as ever, although Kurogane could have sworn he saw what seemed like the beginning of a smirk on his face.
"Just you wait a minute!" Watanuki yelled, finger pointed threateningly at Doumeki again. The taller teenager paused, although he didn't turn to face him. "Where did you get the idea that I, the great Watanuki-sama, was going to go to prom with you!"
Doumeki spoke calmly. "Aren't you?"
Watanuki seemed to lose some of his steam for a moment, before gathering himself up and magnifying his voice even more. "Well, since the great Watanuki-sama is having a rare moment of pity for the lonely and pathetic Doumeki, he might consent to going to prom with him!"
Doumeki started walking again. "I thought so."
"Wait!" Watanuki rushed after him. "I'll be expecting a limo! And you better bow with the proper amount of respect when you come pick me up!"
The four remaining teens chuckled. "Speaking of prom dates …" Souma said slyly. She shared a glance with Himawari and they started to follow Watanuki and Doumeki. Souma nudged Kurogane as she passed him.
Fai stared after them, confusion evident on his face. "What did she mean by that, Kuro-rin?"
Kurogane could feel a blush starting to bloom on his face already. With Fai looking at him expectantly, he cleared his throat and talked to the wall.
"Tomoyo would be thrilled if we went to prom together," he told the wall gruffly. "She would be delighted if we let her design what we wear, too. Actually, she kind of already designed it and made it since you know, the prom is tomorrow, and she was absolutely convinced that I would go no matter how many times I told her I wasn't going to but she insisted …" He stopped talking. After moments of silence, he nervously shifted his gaze to Fai, who was looking at him with a slightly mischievous look on his face.
"So Kuro-rin will do whatever Tomoyo-chan asks of him, hmm?" The blond teased, sidling up to Kurogane.
Kurogane decided the wall was more interesting after all. "No," he said quietly.
"What was that, Kuro-rin?" Fai sang loudly. "I didn't hear you!"
"I said no!" Kurogane shouted. "It wasn't really Tomoyo's idea, okay? I just – I don't really-" Kurogane stopped, flustered and unsure what he was trying to say anyway.
Fai giggled and gave Kurogane a hug. "Of course I'll go with you, Kuro-rin. But can I ask Kuro-rin a question?"
"Whatever," Kurogane huffed. He put his arms around Fai's shoulders gently and pulled the other teenager to him.
Fai looked up at him, suddenly serious. "Why, Kurogane? Why would you do this all for me?"
"It's not all for you," Kurogane shot back. "I didn't go through all of that just to make you happy."
Fai smiled briefly. "You know that's not what I mean. I meant everything … from the days in the park … the teasing … all the funerals … Ashura-san … why did you do it all? I never even thanked you; I never told you how much it meant to me."
Kurogane closed his eyes. "Idiot."
"Kurogane, that's not an answer!" Fai said lightly, even though he still used Kurogane's full name.
Kurogane heard muffled giggling coming from somewhere and released Fai to stride over to a nearby door. It was open a crack and he heard frantic footsteps as he got nearer and flung it fully open.
"Tomoyo! Delete that video!"
"Not a chance, dear brother! I got nearly everything you said!"
"Get back here!" Kurogane took off after his sister.
He thought he heard a faint 'thank you' as he tore down the hall.
"Ohohoho!"
"TOMOYO!"
-
"Don't wiggle," Tomoyo ordered sternly as she smacked gel into her hand.
Kurogane ducked out of her way when she climbed onto the chair. "I'm not letting you put that stuff into my hair again."
"Come back here!" She stared fiercely at him. "It wasn't that bad last time, was it?"
"It was awful," Kurogane muttered. He stayed where he was. "I'm glad for your help, Tomoyo, but can you stop helping me now?"
Tomoyo sighed and shook her head mournfully. "You'll be sorry, Kurogane, when you see Fai and he's absolutely stunning while you look like you just got out of bed."
"I don't care," Kurogane replied. "My hair is fine!"
Tomoyo had an evil glint in your eye. "If you don't let me fix up your hair, I'll post the video online."
Kurogane gaped at her. "You wouldn't."
"Ohohoho! You know I would!" Tomoyo giggled. Kurogane groaned and stomped back over to where Tomoyo was waiting. He shifted around impatiently as Tomoyo applied the gunk to his hair.
"Perfect," she declared once she was done. "You look perfect."
Kurogane winced at the sight of his hair. "Tomoyo …"
"Hush," she said as she gathered up her stuff. "Okay, now I need about an hour to make sure Fai's ready before you come. So don't come any earlier than that, don't mess up your hair, and make sure you don't forget his boutonnière."
"Yeah, yeah," Kurogane answered as he stared at his hair mournfully.
"One last thing," Tomoyo tossed him something before leaving. "Remember this?"
Kurogane glanced down at the picture frame in his hands. It was a photo from the wedding, just over 7 years ago. He was scowling while Fai beamed at the camera and clung onto his arm.
"Where did you get this?" He called to Tomoyo. "I don't remember this picture."
"I took it while you weren't looking," she replied, already half out the door. "Fai's had it beside his bed, all this time."
Kurogane was stunned and brushed his fingers lightly over the glass. His outfit on that day was very similar to the one he wore now; he was just older now, much older, and this time his jacket was left unbuttoned.
He glanced around his bedroom. It was rather sparse and seemed rather empty, but it was the way Kurogane liked it. It was almost completely void of personal touches except for the small bundle of blue ribbons that he kept on his bookshelf, accumulated over years' worth of Valentine's Days.
"Kurogane-kun!" Kendappa's voice startled him out of his thoughts. "I want to take some pictures of you!"
"Tomoyo's going to take plenty of pictures," Kurogane grumbled, although he went downstairs anyway.
He endured a couple of flashes before Kendappa set aside the camera and smiled at him. "You have a good time tonight, you hear me?"
Kurogane started to retort but Kendappa kept on talking. "Fai has been through so much and I'm very proud of you for all of the support you've given that boy."
Kurogane mumbled something about how the idiot was always falling and relying on Kurogane to catch him.
"At least he has always picked himself up," Kendappa said, shaking her head. "I worry about him sometimes."
"He's just an idiot," Kurogane muttered.
"Well, anyway, you better get going," Kendappa advised him. "You don't want to be late for your first date!"
Kurogane blushed. "We're not really-"
"I don't want to hear it! Have fun!" Kendappa said cheerfully as she shooed Kurogane out the door.
Somewhat amused, Kurogane got into his car, grabbing Fai's boutonnière on the way out. He drove quickly until he pulled into the impressive driveway of the Ruval Estate.
After ringing the doorbell, he heard thumping footsteps dashing towards him. The door was opened by Tomoyo, who was squealing already with excitement.
"Fai-kun! Your date's here!" She trilled. Following her gaze, Kurogane saw Fai descending the stairs. He too was dressed like seven years ago, except now his jacket also hung open, revealing a nearly see-through dress shirt that clung to him.
"Kuro-rin's bright red already," Fai teased, putting his hands on his hips once he stood in front of Kurogane. "I wonder what color he'll be when he sees the hotel room?"
"Hotel room?" Kurogane repeated, dumbstruck.
"Well of course," Fai pouted. "Tomoyo-chan told me you hadn't booked one, so I had to do it, even though it's supposed to be your job."
"I didn't think-" Kurogane started to say, mind churning with various images. If anyone had asked him if the images involved Fai half-dressed, he would have denied the accusations. Vehemently.
"Silly Kuro-rin," Fai leaned forward and stood on his toes, so that his face nearly touched Kurogane's. "I was just teasing." Then he giggled. "Red looks so good on you, Kuro-rin."
"Don't tease about stuff like that!" Kurogane snapped, blushing more. "How am I supposed to know?"
Fai just laughed and pecked Kurogane on the cheek. "Shall we take some pictures, Tomoyo-chan?"
"Boutonnières first!" She reminded them. Kurogane noticed with a groan that she had been filming this entire time.
"Hyuu ~" Fai fake-whistled softly as he pinned Kurogane's boutonnière, a red rose, on him. Kurogane, in turn, pinned a white rose on Fai's jacket.
"Don't make that stupid sound," Kurogane muttered, with nothing else to say.
"Come on Kuro-rin, smile!" Fai beamed at him. He grudgingly let Tomoyo take a few photos before dragging Fai out the door.
Once they were alone in the car, Kurogane was aware of the awkward silence that gaped between them. Chancing a glance at Fai, he saw the blond staring out of his window, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hey," he said, and Fai turned to look at him, fixing a smile back in place. "What's wrong?"
Fai sighed. "Why do you always think something is wrong, Kuro-rin?"
"Whenever you get that look on your face, I know something is wrong," Kurogane replied, staring at the road. "You can't hide it from me."
After a long silence, Fai whispered quietly, "I know."
Kurogane glanced at him sharply. It was the first time he had heard the other admit that the smiles were nothing more than a façade.
"I was thinking," Fai said, his gaze wandering to the window again. "About all the goodbyes that we'll have to say."
Kurogane reached out hesitantly and put his hand on Fai's knee. He felt the other stiffened suddenly at his touch and he made to withdraw, but Fai's hand caught his wrist.
"Sorry," he apologized, his fingers cold against Kurogane's warm skin. "You just startled me, that's all."
"No, I'm just-" Kurogane stopped again, slightly frustrated that he could no longer voice his own thoughts. He no longer knew what he wanted, and he cursed the weakness that came with indecision.
But Fai tugged on his wrist and he put his hand back down, resting it lightly on Fai's knee, and Fai kept his hand on top of Kurogane's. It was nothing more than a small gesture, but Kurogane's heart fluttered annoyingly.
"Let's not worry about the goodbyes tonight," he said gruffly, trying to hide his blush. "Let's just live in the present."
"Yes," Fai agreed easily, but Kurogane noticed that he turned his face again towards the window and the passing rows of houses.
They said nothing more for the rest of the trip, but Kurogane was aware of the warmth of Fai's leg below his hand, and the coolness of the hand above his.
-
Fai seemed to visibly shake himself when they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. They both climbed out and scanned the crowd for their friends. Fai sneakily snaked his arm around Kurogane's waist; in return, Kurogane put his arm around Fai's shoulder and cursed the fact that he blushed so easily.
"Who gave you permission to touch me!" Watanuki's screech rose in the late afternoon air. "Don't you just put your hands on the great Watanu- MMMPH!"
Kurogane and Fai found them just in time to see Doumeki plant a firm kiss on a flailing Watanuki's lips.
"You're so loud," Doumeki intoned. Watanuki gaped at him, speechless for once, his face a bright red.
"Hyuu hyuu ~" Fai laughed, along with Himawari and Souma, who were both already there.
"Fai-kun, Kurogane-kun, you both look stunning," Himawari gushed, her purple dress sparkling in the sun. Her hands were covered in matching violet gloves and her curly hair cascaded around her shoulders.
"You're as lovely as ever, Himawari-chan," Fai complimented her. "And you too, Souma-chan!" Souma was wearing a simple dress that flowed from gold to black.
"Himawari-chan always looks lovely," Watanuki chirped in, his voice a few notches lower than usual and a dazed look still in his eye.
Doumeki tugged on his arm. "Mine."
Watanuki snapped out of his daze quickly enough to swat Doumeki away and proclaim loudly, "The great Watanuki-sama does not belong to anyone, much less a lowly, idiotic, emotionless creature such as- MMMPH!"
"Too loud," Doumeki muttered once he detached their lips. Watanuki flushed again and opened his mouth, only to close it again.
"Come on," he huffed, walking into the restaurant. The five others trailed after him obediently, muffling various stages of amusement.
The six of them together filled a table with chatter and laughter. Kurogane found himself smiling and nodding at something Souma said, while Doumeki's lips curled upwards ever so slightly as he watched Watanuki, who was steadily ignoring him.
All too soon, the sun had set and the food was gone, and people had started getting up and leaving to go to the dance.
"Should we go now too?" Himawari asked, her eyes flickering around the table.
"Alright," Fai agreed, and everyone else contributed their own murmurs of consent.
"Wait," Kurogane said suddenly. His friends all froze in place and looked at him questioningly.
Fai placed his hand on Kurogane's shoulder. "What is it, Kuro-rin?"
Kurogane looked at all of them, with the sun burning at his back as it set.
Souma, with her tanned skin and the way she never hesitated to argue with Kurogane about what was right and what was wrong, because she knew who she was and where she was going in the world.
Himawari, with the kind smile she always wore, and always wore honestly, because she was truly a kind person.
Watanuki, who had forgotten to be upset with Doumeki for a moment because he was staring at Kurogane, puzzled, even though he was nearly always upset with Doumeki because that was the way he showed his affection and his gratefulness that he was no longer alone.
Doumeki, who always solid and never changing and always just there, who had the ability to understand others so completely even when he himself never tried to burden others with his problems.
Kurogane was hit with a wave of nostalgia so profound that he closed his eyes for a moment and slumped a bit.
"Kuro-rin?" Fai's voice sounded worried. Lifting his head up again, Kurogane mentally scolded himself for being an emotional hypocrite. He stood up and gave everyone a nod.
"It's nothing," he said, glaring at them until they looked away and collected their things and prepared to leave.
Fai pulled on his sleeve. "What is it?"
Kurogane was silent for a moment. "Nothing."
He didn't miss how Fai pouted a bit and looked a little hurt, so he put his hand on Fai's head and stroked his hair. "Don't worry about it."
They all walked together, chattering, towards the three cars that belonged to different members of their party. Kurogane trailed slightly behind, with Fai at his side. Fai slipped his arm around Kurogane's waist again and Kurogane pulled the blond closer to him.
Fai looked at him in surprise. "Kuro-rin isn't usually like this."
"This is our first date, idiot. You wouldn't know what I'm usually like on dates," Kurogane snapped, but he knew that Fai noticed the lack of conviction behind his words when his eyes seemed to dim slightly with worry.
"Is Kuro-rin sick?" Fai reached up to press his hand against Kurogane's forehead. "You don't have a fever …"
"I was just thinking," Kurogane said quietly, cursing his weakness. "Of all the goodbyes that we'll have to say."
Fai smiled sadly. "Let's just live in the present, hmmmm, Kuro-rin?"
"Don't throw my own words back at me," Kurogane grumbled. Fai only laughed.
"Hurry up, you two!" Souma barked at them. Kurogane growled back, but they picked up their pace to catch up with the rest of the group.
"What's this?" He asked, surprised, when he saw what was waiting for them.
"I reserved it awhile ago," Doumeki said, holding up the keys to the limo.
"Without telling any of us!" Watanuki glared at him.
"It was supposed to be a surprise," the other boy answered mildly.
"Let's go!" Fai said enthusiastically, grabbing Kurogane's hand and opening the door closest to the back of the limo. They both clambered in, while the girls sat together in the middle and Doumeki took the driver's seat. Watanuki, after a great deal of ranting, finally conceded to sitting next to Doumeki and keeping him company.
They soon arrived at the hotel where the dance was being held. Fai led the way cheerfully to the ballroom, which was full of bodies pressed against each other in fancy clothes as everyone danced and rejoiced their upcoming graduation. The music throbbed in the air and seemed the shake the walls, as loud as it was. Kurogane doubted this was the kind of dance the ballroom was used to holding.
After much pleading and begging and generally being annoying, Fai finally convinced Kurogane to dance with him. As Fai swayed his hips in front of Kurogane and Kurogane bobbed his head reluctantly to the music, he was struck again by the sense that Fai was still so far out of his reach; he was so mysterious and fond of his secrets that Kurogane doubted he really even knew Fai. But there was just wasn't enough time left; Fai hadn't told him yet where he was going for university but Kurogane already knew that it would be somewhere far away, much like Himawari and Souma.
"Come on, Kuro-rin! It's your last high school dance!" Fai shouted in his ear. "Move that booty!"
"… No."
"Awww, Kuro-rin, don't be such a party pooper …" Fai pouted.
The song slowed and flowed into a new one, this one much slower. The mass began to break up and couples dominated the dance floor, swaying in time to the music. Watanuki seemed to be arguing with himself about whether or not Doumeki was worthy while the said teenager waited patiently beside him. Himawari and Souma had both found boys to dance with.
Fai looped his arms around Kurogane's neck and pulled him close. When Kurogane hesitated, unsure what to do, Fai took his hands and placed them on his waist. Once Kurogane was in place, Fai reached up again and held onto Kurogane, tilting his head forward so that it rested against Kurogane's chest.
Kurogane gently pulled Fai even closer, moving his hands to the slender blond's back and pressing their bodies together. He rested his chin on Fai's head, the golden locks tickling him, and they spun in circles lazily, as if they had all the time in the world.
-
Kurogane eyed the loud crowd with a certain amount of distaste. A few hours at the dance had left him with a throbbing headache, sore feet, and the desire to go somewhere quiet.
Right on cue, Doumeki appeared with Watanuki draped over his shoulder, protesting loudly. "I think we should leave now."
Kurogane nodded gratefully and waded into the mob to grab Fai, who was talking to some girls from his homeroom. "Doumeki says it's time for us to go," he yelled into his date's ear.
"It's only midnight!" Fai protested. No doubt seeing the steely glint in Kurogane's eyes, he sighed and sulked quietly by himself.
Kurogane scanned the crowd. "Have you seen Himawari-chan and Souma-chan?"
Fai peered into the mass as well. "Give me a sec."
Before Kurogane had a chance to protest, Fai wiggled away and slipped through the crowd. He reappeared only minutes later with both Himawari, who had lost her gloves somewhere, and Souma. Kurogane led them all outside, where Doumeki waited by the limo.
"We need to go back to restaurant to get our cars," Kurogane told him.
Doumeki gave him a strange look. "Don't you want to do that in the morning?"
Kurogane frowned. "Why would I wait until morning?"
"Well, we made reservations for four rooms at that expensive resort, didn't we?"
Kurogane spun around and grabbed Fai's shoulders. "I thought that was a joke!"
Fai giggled. "Oops."
Kurogane stared at him in horror, with a little bit of nervous apprehension.
"Come now, Kuro-rin, you wouldn't want to waste my money, would you?" Fai trailed a finger down Kurogane's face and gave him another peck on the cheek.
Kurogane growled. "Okay, we'll go, but don't you dare get your hopes up! There are certain things that just don't happen on a first date, even if it is the prom!"
"Kuro-rin is so chivalrous!" Fai said happily as he climbed into the backseat of the limo.
"Whatever," Kurogane muttered as he followed.
-
The suite that was reserved for them was, Kurogane had to admit, fairly impressive. It held two bedrooms, a living room of a sort, a small kitchen, and two bathrooms, as well as a balcony that hung 17 stories off the ground.
After they both dumped their jackets and ties on the couch and Kurogane stuck his head under the tap in the sink for long enough to rinse out all the gel, Kurogane and Fai stood in front of the door to one of the bedrooms. They had both looked inside to find only a single king sized bed in both of them.
Fai gave Kurogane a sly grin and gestured for him to speak first.
Kurogane cleared his throat needlessly and was about to say something when he was interrupted by a knocking on his door. Thankful for whoever the visitor was, he opened the door to find Himawari, Souma, Watanuki, conscious once more, and Doumeki all waiting in the hall.
"Neither of us wanted to sleep alone," Himawari explained, holding Souma's hand with the innocence of a little girl.
Kurogane nodded and then at looked at Doumeki.
"The idiot thought I was going to rape him."
Kurogane nodded again and beckoned them in.
"HEY! Don't just nod like that's perfectly acceptable!" Watanuki shouted as he flailed into the room. As usual, he was ignored.
The two other males had also taken off their ties and their jackets, while the girls had both changed into more loose, comfortable clothing.
"It – it feels like the end, doesn't it?" Himawari asked, tears glinting in her eyes.
"We have to live in the present," Fai said, before Watanuki could respond. He met Kurogane's eyes and smiled.
"Yes, yes, of course," Himawari smiled bravely.
But no one stopped once they started talking about the memories.
"Remember the time when Watanuki-kun climbed the apple tree …"
"… Himawari-chan wanted an apple, so I was determined to get one for her!"
"Except you fell."
"SHUT UP, IDIOT! I was testing gravity!"
"And Kuro-rin got the apple in the end!" Fai cheered, clinging onto Kurogane's arm.
"That was nothing," Kurogane said, smiling slightly. "Nothing compared to what Doumeki-kun did on that class trip, anyway."
"You mean when Watanuki-kun passed out and Doumeki-kun carried him around for the rest of the day?"
"He was heavy."
"IDIOT! No one asked you to carry me around! I would have been perfectly fine without knowing that your filthy hands had touched me!"
"Remember that other class trip, when we all went to the beach …"
"… and the one where we went ice skating!"
"Souma-chan and Himawari-chan both couldn't skate though …"
"But Himawari-chan was just delightful as she tried so hard!"
"Watanuki-kun, you're so kind …"
"Mine."
"What did I say before about – MMMPH!"
"Watanuki-kun never learns …"
"So loud."
"Remember when he challenged Doumeki-kun to a staring contest?"
"Oh yeah, that was funny!"
"I won."
"You did not! My eyelid twitched, that's all!"
So they went on, reminiscing throughout the night. Watanuki left for a few minutes, sometime in the early morning hours, to return with a bottle of sake that they all shared.
-
Kurogane woke up when he sensed movement. He and Fai had finally fallen asleep in one bed, Doumeki and Watanuki in another, and Himawari and Souma had shared the pullout couch.
The two of them had stumbled into bed, barely able to keep their eyes open, pausing just long enough to throw aside excessive clothing. Kurogane had mumbled a goodnight, only to be interrupted midway by a light pressure on his lips – but when he realized what Fai had just done, the blond had already curled up against him and fallen asleep. Sighing, Kurogane had draped an arm over his companion and held him close. He had closed his eyes and buried his face in the golden hair turned silver in the moonlight.
Kurogane's eyes adjusted quickly to the dim light the moon provided and he promptly concluded that Fai had left the room. Opening the door quietly and padding through the kitchen, he saw Fai standing outside on the balcony. From this distance, he could almost imagine that Fai was completely unblemished by scars.
"I hope you're not thinking of jumping." Kurogane's voice seemed to startle Fai, as he started and spun around.
"Kuro-rin! You're awake!" He smiled up at the taller boy. Kurogane simply crossed his arms and glared. Fai's smile faltered for a moment before he dropped it completely. "No, I wasn't thinking of jumping."
Kurogane walked outside and stood with Fai on the balcony. "What are you doing up?"
Fai shrugged. "I couldn't sleep and didn't want to disturb you … You seemed peaceful."
Kurogane snorted. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Kuro-rin always looks so scary all the time," Fai explained, a twinkle in his eye.
"Kurogane," he replied, though he had long ago associated Fai saying his full name with bad news.
"What does Kuro-rin say to watching the sunrise with me?" Fai asked, moving towards Kurogane to bury his face in his chest again.
"You can't watch anything if you're doing that." Kurogane stroked Fai's hair. The blond strands slid easily through and around his fingers, much like Fai himself.
Fai giggled and stood on his toes to give Kurogane a kiss, one that lasted a while before they both came up seeking air.
"The sun is coming up," Kurogane said. A faint band of pink was visible on the horizon. They watched it rise together, Fai sitting in Kurogane's lap and Kurogane holding him as if he was trying to protect Fai from all the horrors of the world with his own body.
When the golf course and small lake their balcony hung over was stained orange, Fai spoke again. "No matter how sad the night is, dawn always comes again, hmmm, Kuro-rin?"
"I thought the night was beautiful," Kurogane said. Fai looked at him strangely. "Your hair looks beautiful in the moonlight."
Fai blushed, the color standing out strongly in contrast to his pale cheeks.
-
Now (21 years and 5 months)
Kurogane wakes up to the sound of beeping.
"You're doing perfectly fine," the nurse by his bedside tells him cheerfully. "The operation was a success and Yuui-san is recovering too. His bed is right over there. You had a couple of visitors, but since you were both still sleeping I sent them away."
Kurogane stares at her for a moment. "Yuui?"
The nurse looks at him, confused. "Isn't that his name?"
Kurogane gets up and staggers across the room, ignoring the nurse's concerned questions. He looks at the bed and confirms to himself that it is indeed Fai.
He reaches out and runs his hand through the blonde hair.
You lied even about your name?
-
A/N - Whew, that was long. I hope it didn't seem to drag out unnecessarily, but I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Goodbye are always sad, but it's good knowing that at least you have something that's worth being sad about when you're leaving it behind (or something. /fail attempt at being deep).
Also, a HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY READERS AND REVIEWERS ON FF.NET FOR OVER 100 REVIEWS! You guys are too good to me =')
I'm going to be sad when this is over ='(
Series: TRC
Pairing: KuroFai
Rating: PG
Length: about 5500 words, chapter 24 (24/26)
Evening (17 Years and 8 Months Old)
March 25-27, 18: 17 Years and 3 Months Old
March 25-27, 18: 17 Years and 3 Months Old
"I can't believe it," Himawari whispered, wiping her tears off her cheeks, although they were soon replaced by fresh ones. Souma nodded in understanding. "I can't believe after all these years together, we're finally parting ways."
"Don't cry, Himawari-chan!" Watanuki sprang to her side and took her hands into his own. "We'll see each other whenever we can, and if you ever get lonely or need someone to talk to, you can always call me, okay? I'll always be here for you, Himawari-chan!" He finished earnestly, thrusting his arm into the air in a grand gesture and nearly knocking their teacher out as he walked by.
"Watanuki-san!" The teacher snapped, straightening his glasses. "Control yourself!"
Himawari giggled. "You're so funny, Watanuki-kun."
Watanuki beamed. Doumeki came up from behind Watanuki and nodded at her. "Kunogi-chan," he said solemnly. "That smile suits you more than the tears."
"Thank you, Shizuka-kun." Himawari smiled gently at him.
Watanuki swelled up and turned around to prod Doumeki in the chest. "Where did you come from and just why do you think you can tell Himawari-chan she doesn't look good in everything? Himawari-chan is the cutest girl there is!"
Himawari blushed. "You're always so kind, Watanuki-kun."
Watanuki puffed his chest out proudly and turned back around. "Anything for you, Himawari-chan. I'm sorry you have to endure this idiot's company!"
"I came to ask if you wanted to look at the corsages and boutonnières after school today," Doumeki informed Watanuki.
"Corsages and …" Watanuki frowned. "Don't couples usually go to pick them out together?"
The other five stared at him expectantly.
"…Oh." Watanuki was stunned into a rare moment of silence. " … Oooh."
Himawari, Souma, and Fai all burst into laughter. Kurogane twitched slightly, trying to repress his grin.
"I'll meet you at your locker at three." Doumeki left, as seemingly emotionless as ever, although Kurogane could have sworn he saw what seemed like the beginning of a smirk on his face.
"Just you wait a minute!" Watanuki yelled, finger pointed threateningly at Doumeki again. The taller teenager paused, although he didn't turn to face him. "Where did you get the idea that I, the great Watanuki-sama, was going to go to prom with you!"
Doumeki spoke calmly. "Aren't you?"
Watanuki seemed to lose some of his steam for a moment, before gathering himself up and magnifying his voice even more. "Well, since the great Watanuki-sama is having a rare moment of pity for the lonely and pathetic Doumeki, he might consent to going to prom with him!"
Doumeki started walking again. "I thought so."
"Wait!" Watanuki rushed after him. "I'll be expecting a limo! And you better bow with the proper amount of respect when you come pick me up!"
The four remaining teens chuckled. "Speaking of prom dates …" Souma said slyly. She shared a glance with Himawari and they started to follow Watanuki and Doumeki. Souma nudged Kurogane as she passed him.
Fai stared after them, confusion evident on his face. "What did she mean by that, Kuro-rin?"
Kurogane could feel a blush starting to bloom on his face already. With Fai looking at him expectantly, he cleared his throat and talked to the wall.
"Tomoyo would be thrilled if we went to prom together," he told the wall gruffly. "She would be delighted if we let her design what we wear, too. Actually, she kind of already designed it and made it since you know, the prom is tomorrow, and she was absolutely convinced that I would go no matter how many times I told her I wasn't going to but she insisted …" He stopped talking. After moments of silence, he nervously shifted his gaze to Fai, who was looking at him with a slightly mischievous look on his face.
"So Kuro-rin will do whatever Tomoyo-chan asks of him, hmm?" The blond teased, sidling up to Kurogane.
Kurogane decided the wall was more interesting after all. "No," he said quietly.
"What was that, Kuro-rin?" Fai sang loudly. "I didn't hear you!"
"I said no!" Kurogane shouted. "It wasn't really Tomoyo's idea, okay? I just – I don't really-" Kurogane stopped, flustered and unsure what he was trying to say anyway.
Fai giggled and gave Kurogane a hug. "Of course I'll go with you, Kuro-rin. But can I ask Kuro-rin a question?"
"Whatever," Kurogane huffed. He put his arms around Fai's shoulders gently and pulled the other teenager to him.
Fai looked up at him, suddenly serious. "Why, Kurogane? Why would you do this all for me?"
"It's not all for you," Kurogane shot back. "I didn't go through all of that just to make you happy."
Fai smiled briefly. "You know that's not what I mean. I meant everything … from the days in the park … the teasing … all the funerals … Ashura-san … why did you do it all? I never even thanked you; I never told you how much it meant to me."
Kurogane closed his eyes. "Idiot."
"Kurogane, that's not an answer!" Fai said lightly, even though he still used Kurogane's full name.
Kurogane heard muffled giggling coming from somewhere and released Fai to stride over to a nearby door. It was open a crack and he heard frantic footsteps as he got nearer and flung it fully open.
"Tomoyo! Delete that video!"
"Not a chance, dear brother! I got nearly everything you said!"
"Get back here!" Kurogane took off after his sister.
He thought he heard a faint 'thank you' as he tore down the hall.
"Ohohoho!"
"TOMOYO!"
-
"Don't wiggle," Tomoyo ordered sternly as she smacked gel into her hand.
Kurogane ducked out of her way when she climbed onto the chair. "I'm not letting you put that stuff into my hair again."
"Come back here!" She stared fiercely at him. "It wasn't that bad last time, was it?"
"It was awful," Kurogane muttered. He stayed where he was. "I'm glad for your help, Tomoyo, but can you stop helping me now?"
Tomoyo sighed and shook her head mournfully. "You'll be sorry, Kurogane, when you see Fai and he's absolutely stunning while you look like you just got out of bed."
"I don't care," Kurogane replied. "My hair is fine!"
Tomoyo had an evil glint in your eye. "If you don't let me fix up your hair, I'll post the video online."
Kurogane gaped at her. "You wouldn't."
"Ohohoho! You know I would!" Tomoyo giggled. Kurogane groaned and stomped back over to where Tomoyo was waiting. He shifted around impatiently as Tomoyo applied the gunk to his hair.
"Perfect," she declared once she was done. "You look perfect."
Kurogane winced at the sight of his hair. "Tomoyo …"
"Hush," she said as she gathered up her stuff. "Okay, now I need about an hour to make sure Fai's ready before you come. So don't come any earlier than that, don't mess up your hair, and make sure you don't forget his boutonnière."
"Yeah, yeah," Kurogane answered as he stared at his hair mournfully.
"One last thing," Tomoyo tossed him something before leaving. "Remember this?"
Kurogane glanced down at the picture frame in his hands. It was a photo from the wedding, just over 7 years ago. He was scowling while Fai beamed at the camera and clung onto his arm.
"Where did you get this?" He called to Tomoyo. "I don't remember this picture."
"I took it while you weren't looking," she replied, already half out the door. "Fai's had it beside his bed, all this time."
Kurogane was stunned and brushed his fingers lightly over the glass. His outfit on that day was very similar to the one he wore now; he was just older now, much older, and this time his jacket was left unbuttoned.
He glanced around his bedroom. It was rather sparse and seemed rather empty, but it was the way Kurogane liked it. It was almost completely void of personal touches except for the small bundle of blue ribbons that he kept on his bookshelf, accumulated over years' worth of Valentine's Days.
"Kurogane-kun!" Kendappa's voice startled him out of his thoughts. "I want to take some pictures of you!"
"Tomoyo's going to take plenty of pictures," Kurogane grumbled, although he went downstairs anyway.
He endured a couple of flashes before Kendappa set aside the camera and smiled at him. "You have a good time tonight, you hear me?"
Kurogane started to retort but Kendappa kept on talking. "Fai has been through so much and I'm very proud of you for all of the support you've given that boy."
Kurogane mumbled something about how the idiot was always falling and relying on Kurogane to catch him.
"At least he has always picked himself up," Kendappa said, shaking her head. "I worry about him sometimes."
"He's just an idiot," Kurogane muttered.
"Well, anyway, you better get going," Kendappa advised him. "You don't want to be late for your first date!"
Kurogane blushed. "We're not really-"
"I don't want to hear it! Have fun!" Kendappa said cheerfully as she shooed Kurogane out the door.
Somewhat amused, Kurogane got into his car, grabbing Fai's boutonnière on the way out. He drove quickly until he pulled into the impressive driveway of the Ruval Estate.
After ringing the doorbell, he heard thumping footsteps dashing towards him. The door was opened by Tomoyo, who was squealing already with excitement.
"Fai-kun! Your date's here!" She trilled. Following her gaze, Kurogane saw Fai descending the stairs. He too was dressed like seven years ago, except now his jacket also hung open, revealing a nearly see-through dress shirt that clung to him.
"Kuro-rin's bright red already," Fai teased, putting his hands on his hips once he stood in front of Kurogane. "I wonder what color he'll be when he sees the hotel room?"
"Hotel room?" Kurogane repeated, dumbstruck.
"Well of course," Fai pouted. "Tomoyo-chan told me you hadn't booked one, so I had to do it, even though it's supposed to be your job."
"I didn't think-" Kurogane started to say, mind churning with various images. If anyone had asked him if the images involved Fai half-dressed, he would have denied the accusations. Vehemently.
"Silly Kuro-rin," Fai leaned forward and stood on his toes, so that his face nearly touched Kurogane's. "I was just teasing." Then he giggled. "Red looks so good on you, Kuro-rin."
"Don't tease about stuff like that!" Kurogane snapped, blushing more. "How am I supposed to know?"
Fai just laughed and pecked Kurogane on the cheek. "Shall we take some pictures, Tomoyo-chan?"
"Boutonnières first!" She reminded them. Kurogane noticed with a groan that she had been filming this entire time.
"Hyuu ~" Fai fake-whistled softly as he pinned Kurogane's boutonnière, a red rose, on him. Kurogane, in turn, pinned a white rose on Fai's jacket.
"Don't make that stupid sound," Kurogane muttered, with nothing else to say.
"Come on Kuro-rin, smile!" Fai beamed at him. He grudgingly let Tomoyo take a few photos before dragging Fai out the door.
Once they were alone in the car, Kurogane was aware of the awkward silence that gaped between them. Chancing a glance at Fai, he saw the blond staring out of his window, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hey," he said, and Fai turned to look at him, fixing a smile back in place. "What's wrong?"
Fai sighed. "Why do you always think something is wrong, Kuro-rin?"
"Whenever you get that look on your face, I know something is wrong," Kurogane replied, staring at the road. "You can't hide it from me."
After a long silence, Fai whispered quietly, "I know."
Kurogane glanced at him sharply. It was the first time he had heard the other admit that the smiles were nothing more than a façade.
"I was thinking," Fai said, his gaze wandering to the window again. "About all the goodbyes that we'll have to say."
Kurogane reached out hesitantly and put his hand on Fai's knee. He felt the other stiffened suddenly at his touch and he made to withdraw, but Fai's hand caught his wrist.
"Sorry," he apologized, his fingers cold against Kurogane's warm skin. "You just startled me, that's all."
"No, I'm just-" Kurogane stopped again, slightly frustrated that he could no longer voice his own thoughts. He no longer knew what he wanted, and he cursed the weakness that came with indecision.
But Fai tugged on his wrist and he put his hand back down, resting it lightly on Fai's knee, and Fai kept his hand on top of Kurogane's. It was nothing more than a small gesture, but Kurogane's heart fluttered annoyingly.
"Let's not worry about the goodbyes tonight," he said gruffly, trying to hide his blush. "Let's just live in the present."
"Yes," Fai agreed easily, but Kurogane noticed that he turned his face again towards the window and the passing rows of houses.
They said nothing more for the rest of the trip, but Kurogane was aware of the warmth of Fai's leg below his hand, and the coolness of the hand above his.
-
Fai seemed to visibly shake himself when they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. They both climbed out and scanned the crowd for their friends. Fai sneakily snaked his arm around Kurogane's waist; in return, Kurogane put his arm around Fai's shoulder and cursed the fact that he blushed so easily.
"Who gave you permission to touch me!" Watanuki's screech rose in the late afternoon air. "Don't you just put your hands on the great Watanu- MMMPH!"
Kurogane and Fai found them just in time to see Doumeki plant a firm kiss on a flailing Watanuki's lips.
"You're so loud," Doumeki intoned. Watanuki gaped at him, speechless for once, his face a bright red.
"Hyuu hyuu ~" Fai laughed, along with Himawari and Souma, who were both already there.
"Fai-kun, Kurogane-kun, you both look stunning," Himawari gushed, her purple dress sparkling in the sun. Her hands were covered in matching violet gloves and her curly hair cascaded around her shoulders.
"You're as lovely as ever, Himawari-chan," Fai complimented her. "And you too, Souma-chan!" Souma was wearing a simple dress that flowed from gold to black.
"Himawari-chan always looks lovely," Watanuki chirped in, his voice a few notches lower than usual and a dazed look still in his eye.
Doumeki tugged on his arm. "Mine."
Watanuki snapped out of his daze quickly enough to swat Doumeki away and proclaim loudly, "The great Watanuki-sama does not belong to anyone, much less a lowly, idiotic, emotionless creature such as- MMMPH!"
"Too loud," Doumeki muttered once he detached their lips. Watanuki flushed again and opened his mouth, only to close it again.
"Come on," he huffed, walking into the restaurant. The five others trailed after him obediently, muffling various stages of amusement.
The six of them together filled a table with chatter and laughter. Kurogane found himself smiling and nodding at something Souma said, while Doumeki's lips curled upwards ever so slightly as he watched Watanuki, who was steadily ignoring him.
All too soon, the sun had set and the food was gone, and people had started getting up and leaving to go to the dance.
"Should we go now too?" Himawari asked, her eyes flickering around the table.
"Alright," Fai agreed, and everyone else contributed their own murmurs of consent.
"Wait," Kurogane said suddenly. His friends all froze in place and looked at him questioningly.
Fai placed his hand on Kurogane's shoulder. "What is it, Kuro-rin?"
Kurogane looked at all of them, with the sun burning at his back as it set.
Souma, with her tanned skin and the way she never hesitated to argue with Kurogane about what was right and what was wrong, because she knew who she was and where she was going in the world.
Himawari, with the kind smile she always wore, and always wore honestly, because she was truly a kind person.
Watanuki, who had forgotten to be upset with Doumeki for a moment because he was staring at Kurogane, puzzled, even though he was nearly always upset with Doumeki because that was the way he showed his affection and his gratefulness that he was no longer alone.
Doumeki, who always solid and never changing and always just there, who had the ability to understand others so completely even when he himself never tried to burden others with his problems.
Kurogane was hit with a wave of nostalgia so profound that he closed his eyes for a moment and slumped a bit.
"Kuro-rin?" Fai's voice sounded worried. Lifting his head up again, Kurogane mentally scolded himself for being an emotional hypocrite. He stood up and gave everyone a nod.
"It's nothing," he said, glaring at them until they looked away and collected their things and prepared to leave.
Fai pulled on his sleeve. "What is it?"
Kurogane was silent for a moment. "Nothing."
He didn't miss how Fai pouted a bit and looked a little hurt, so he put his hand on Fai's head and stroked his hair. "Don't worry about it."
They all walked together, chattering, towards the three cars that belonged to different members of their party. Kurogane trailed slightly behind, with Fai at his side. Fai slipped his arm around Kurogane's waist again and Kurogane pulled the blond closer to him.
Fai looked at him in surprise. "Kuro-rin isn't usually like this."
"This is our first date, idiot. You wouldn't know what I'm usually like on dates," Kurogane snapped, but he knew that Fai noticed the lack of conviction behind his words when his eyes seemed to dim slightly with worry.
"Is Kuro-rin sick?" Fai reached up to press his hand against Kurogane's forehead. "You don't have a fever …"
"I was just thinking," Kurogane said quietly, cursing his weakness. "Of all the goodbyes that we'll have to say."
Fai smiled sadly. "Let's just live in the present, hmmmm, Kuro-rin?"
"Don't throw my own words back at me," Kurogane grumbled. Fai only laughed.
"Hurry up, you two!" Souma barked at them. Kurogane growled back, but they picked up their pace to catch up with the rest of the group.
"What's this?" He asked, surprised, when he saw what was waiting for them.
"I reserved it awhile ago," Doumeki said, holding up the keys to the limo.
"Without telling any of us!" Watanuki glared at him.
"It was supposed to be a surprise," the other boy answered mildly.
"Let's go!" Fai said enthusiastically, grabbing Kurogane's hand and opening the door closest to the back of the limo. They both clambered in, while the girls sat together in the middle and Doumeki took the driver's seat. Watanuki, after a great deal of ranting, finally conceded to sitting next to Doumeki and keeping him company.
They soon arrived at the hotel where the dance was being held. Fai led the way cheerfully to the ballroom, which was full of bodies pressed against each other in fancy clothes as everyone danced and rejoiced their upcoming graduation. The music throbbed in the air and seemed the shake the walls, as loud as it was. Kurogane doubted this was the kind of dance the ballroom was used to holding.
After much pleading and begging and generally being annoying, Fai finally convinced Kurogane to dance with him. As Fai swayed his hips in front of Kurogane and Kurogane bobbed his head reluctantly to the music, he was struck again by the sense that Fai was still so far out of his reach; he was so mysterious and fond of his secrets that Kurogane doubted he really even knew Fai. But there was just wasn't enough time left; Fai hadn't told him yet where he was going for university but Kurogane already knew that it would be somewhere far away, much like Himawari and Souma.
"Come on, Kuro-rin! It's your last high school dance!" Fai shouted in his ear. "Move that booty!"
"… No."
"Awww, Kuro-rin, don't be such a party pooper …" Fai pouted.
The song slowed and flowed into a new one, this one much slower. The mass began to break up and couples dominated the dance floor, swaying in time to the music. Watanuki seemed to be arguing with himself about whether or not Doumeki was worthy while the said teenager waited patiently beside him. Himawari and Souma had both found boys to dance with.
Fai looped his arms around Kurogane's neck and pulled him close. When Kurogane hesitated, unsure what to do, Fai took his hands and placed them on his waist. Once Kurogane was in place, Fai reached up again and held onto Kurogane, tilting his head forward so that it rested against Kurogane's chest.
Kurogane gently pulled Fai even closer, moving his hands to the slender blond's back and pressing their bodies together. He rested his chin on Fai's head, the golden locks tickling him, and they spun in circles lazily, as if they had all the time in the world.
-
Kurogane eyed the loud crowd with a certain amount of distaste. A few hours at the dance had left him with a throbbing headache, sore feet, and the desire to go somewhere quiet.
Right on cue, Doumeki appeared with Watanuki draped over his shoulder, protesting loudly. "I think we should leave now."
Kurogane nodded gratefully and waded into the mob to grab Fai, who was talking to some girls from his homeroom. "Doumeki says it's time for us to go," he yelled into his date's ear.
"It's only midnight!" Fai protested. No doubt seeing the steely glint in Kurogane's eyes, he sighed and sulked quietly by himself.
Kurogane scanned the crowd. "Have you seen Himawari-chan and Souma-chan?"
Fai peered into the mass as well. "Give me a sec."
Before Kurogane had a chance to protest, Fai wiggled away and slipped through the crowd. He reappeared only minutes later with both Himawari, who had lost her gloves somewhere, and Souma. Kurogane led them all outside, where Doumeki waited by the limo.
"We need to go back to restaurant to get our cars," Kurogane told him.
Doumeki gave him a strange look. "Don't you want to do that in the morning?"
Kurogane frowned. "Why would I wait until morning?"
"Well, we made reservations for four rooms at that expensive resort, didn't we?"
Kurogane spun around and grabbed Fai's shoulders. "I thought that was a joke!"
Fai giggled. "Oops."
Kurogane stared at him in horror, with a little bit of nervous apprehension.
"Come now, Kuro-rin, you wouldn't want to waste my money, would you?" Fai trailed a finger down Kurogane's face and gave him another peck on the cheek.
Kurogane growled. "Okay, we'll go, but don't you dare get your hopes up! There are certain things that just don't happen on a first date, even if it is the prom!"
"Kuro-rin is so chivalrous!" Fai said happily as he climbed into the backseat of the limo.
"Whatever," Kurogane muttered as he followed.
-
The suite that was reserved for them was, Kurogane had to admit, fairly impressive. It held two bedrooms, a living room of a sort, a small kitchen, and two bathrooms, as well as a balcony that hung 17 stories off the ground.
After they both dumped their jackets and ties on the couch and Kurogane stuck his head under the tap in the sink for long enough to rinse out all the gel, Kurogane and Fai stood in front of the door to one of the bedrooms. They had both looked inside to find only a single king sized bed in both of them.
Fai gave Kurogane a sly grin and gestured for him to speak first.
Kurogane cleared his throat needlessly and was about to say something when he was interrupted by a knocking on his door. Thankful for whoever the visitor was, he opened the door to find Himawari, Souma, Watanuki, conscious once more, and Doumeki all waiting in the hall.
"Neither of us wanted to sleep alone," Himawari explained, holding Souma's hand with the innocence of a little girl.
Kurogane nodded and then at looked at Doumeki.
"The idiot thought I was going to rape him."
Kurogane nodded again and beckoned them in.
"HEY! Don't just nod like that's perfectly acceptable!" Watanuki shouted as he flailed into the room. As usual, he was ignored.
The two other males had also taken off their ties and their jackets, while the girls had both changed into more loose, comfortable clothing.
"It – it feels like the end, doesn't it?" Himawari asked, tears glinting in her eyes.
"We have to live in the present," Fai said, before Watanuki could respond. He met Kurogane's eyes and smiled.
"Yes, yes, of course," Himawari smiled bravely.
But no one stopped once they started talking about the memories.
"Remember the time when Watanuki-kun climbed the apple tree …"
"… Himawari-chan wanted an apple, so I was determined to get one for her!"
"Except you fell."
"SHUT UP, IDIOT! I was testing gravity!"
"And Kuro-rin got the apple in the end!" Fai cheered, clinging onto Kurogane's arm.
"That was nothing," Kurogane said, smiling slightly. "Nothing compared to what Doumeki-kun did on that class trip, anyway."
"You mean when Watanuki-kun passed out and Doumeki-kun carried him around for the rest of the day?"
"He was heavy."
"IDIOT! No one asked you to carry me around! I would have been perfectly fine without knowing that your filthy hands had touched me!"
"Remember that other class trip, when we all went to the beach …"
"… and the one where we went ice skating!"
"Souma-chan and Himawari-chan both couldn't skate though …"
"But Himawari-chan was just delightful as she tried so hard!"
"Watanuki-kun, you're so kind …"
"Mine."
"What did I say before about – MMMPH!"
"Watanuki-kun never learns …"
"So loud."
"Remember when he challenged Doumeki-kun to a staring contest?"
"Oh yeah, that was funny!"
"I won."
"You did not! My eyelid twitched, that's all!"
So they went on, reminiscing throughout the night. Watanuki left for a few minutes, sometime in the early morning hours, to return with a bottle of sake that they all shared.
-
Kurogane woke up when he sensed movement. He and Fai had finally fallen asleep in one bed, Doumeki and Watanuki in another, and Himawari and Souma had shared the pullout couch.
The two of them had stumbled into bed, barely able to keep their eyes open, pausing just long enough to throw aside excessive clothing. Kurogane had mumbled a goodnight, only to be interrupted midway by a light pressure on his lips – but when he realized what Fai had just done, the blond had already curled up against him and fallen asleep. Sighing, Kurogane had draped an arm over his companion and held him close. He had closed his eyes and buried his face in the golden hair turned silver in the moonlight.
Kurogane's eyes adjusted quickly to the dim light the moon provided and he promptly concluded that Fai had left the room. Opening the door quietly and padding through the kitchen, he saw Fai standing outside on the balcony. From this distance, he could almost imagine that Fai was completely unblemished by scars.
"I hope you're not thinking of jumping." Kurogane's voice seemed to startle Fai, as he started and spun around.
"Kuro-rin! You're awake!" He smiled up at the taller boy. Kurogane simply crossed his arms and glared. Fai's smile faltered for a moment before he dropped it completely. "No, I wasn't thinking of jumping."
Kurogane walked outside and stood with Fai on the balcony. "What are you doing up?"
Fai shrugged. "I couldn't sleep and didn't want to disturb you … You seemed peaceful."
Kurogane snorted. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Kuro-rin always looks so scary all the time," Fai explained, a twinkle in his eye.
"Kurogane," he replied, though he had long ago associated Fai saying his full name with bad news.
"What does Kuro-rin say to watching the sunrise with me?" Fai asked, moving towards Kurogane to bury his face in his chest again.
"You can't watch anything if you're doing that." Kurogane stroked Fai's hair. The blond strands slid easily through and around his fingers, much like Fai himself.
Fai giggled and stood on his toes to give Kurogane a kiss, one that lasted a while before they both came up seeking air.
"The sun is coming up," Kurogane said. A faint band of pink was visible on the horizon. They watched it rise together, Fai sitting in Kurogane's lap and Kurogane holding him as if he was trying to protect Fai from all the horrors of the world with his own body.
When the golf course and small lake their balcony hung over was stained orange, Fai spoke again. "No matter how sad the night is, dawn always comes again, hmmm, Kuro-rin?"
"I thought the night was beautiful," Kurogane said. Fai looked at him strangely. "Your hair looks beautiful in the moonlight."
Fai blushed, the color standing out strongly in contrast to his pale cheeks.
-
Now (21 years and 5 months)
Kurogane wakes up to the sound of beeping.
"You're doing perfectly fine," the nurse by his bedside tells him cheerfully. "The operation was a success and Yuui-san is recovering too. His bed is right over there. You had a couple of visitors, but since you were both still sleeping I sent them away."
Kurogane stares at her for a moment. "Yuui?"
The nurse looks at him, confused. "Isn't that his name?"
Kurogane gets up and staggers across the room, ignoring the nurse's concerned questions. He looks at the bed and confirms to himself that it is indeed Fai.
He reaches out and runs his hand through the blonde hair.
You lied even about your name?
-
A/N - Whew, that was long. I hope it didn't seem to drag out unnecessarily, but I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Goodbye are always sad, but it's good knowing that at least you have something that's worth being sad about when you're leaving it behind (or something. /fail attempt at being deep).
Also, a HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY READERS AND REVIEWERS ON FF.NET FOR OVER 100 REVIEWS! You guys are too good to me =')
I'm going to be sad when this is over ='(