������ You know what this is?� This is The Leper's proverbial last
chapter.� Let's get this over with.
---------------
������������������������������� The Leper
�������������������������������� Part 18
������������������ "Give me your hands if we be friends
������������������� And the leper shall restore amends"
��������������������� by Nikholas "NomaD" F. Toledo
����� Ranma 1/2 is the property of Kitty, VIZ and the omnipotent Rumiko
Takahashi.� I am a property of Switch (so you know who to sue).
����� I am NomaD... I am coming... I am near...
����� Don't expect any summaries...
����� Names and spellings have been explained in part 1...
-----------
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
Trust in God, SHE will provide.
����������� - Lesbian proverb
-----------
Part 1, Clueless
����� Shampoo opened her eyes and took in the early morning sun.� She
smiled and stretched deliciously.� She hummed while she fixed herself in
front of the mirror.� When she was ready, she got out of her room to go
downstairs.� She started planning in her head all the things that she was
to do for the day.
����� In her reverie, she did not notice the figure sweeping the floor in
front of her.� The figure had his back to the Amazon and so the two
crashed violently into each other.
����� Shampoo fell flat on her butt while the other figure was able to
regain his balance.� Shampoo looked up to see whom she bumped into.
Seeing who he was, Shampoo started to fume.
����� "MOUSSE!!!� You stupid dumb idiot!� You ruin Shampoo train of
thought!� Why you no watch where you going?!?� Oooh!� I go tell great-
grandmother, you stupid stupid duckboy!"
����� Shampoo brought out her giant lollipops and started walloping the
clueless man.
����� "What?!"� *whack*� "Wait, Shampoo!� My beloved!"� *whack*� "Wait!
I... I..."� *whack*� "Ow!� Please, my Shampoo!"
����� "You gonna be sorry!� You stupid man!� You stupid stupid..."
����� "I said 'WAIT A MINUTE'!"
����� Mousse caught the oncoming clubs in each hand.� Shampoo tried to
tug them away but Mousse just snagged them and threw them away.
����� "I've had ENOUGH of this!"
����� Shampoo was startled for a moment.� But she regained her composure
and scowled at the man in front of her.
����� "You no talk to me that way!"
����� Shampoo brought her fist back but they never reached their intended
target.� The man just caught her by the wrists and held her in place.
She tried to struggle and was surprised at how strong Mousse was.
����� "You think I enjoy living my life like this, you cold, ungrateful
Amazon!"
����� This time Shampoo was completely stunned.� The eyes she was staring
into were blazing with pent-up rage.
����� Not knowing how to react, she quickly pulled her hand away and
slapped him across the face.� Then, Mousse stunned her even more when he
slapped her back.
����� "I have had enough!"
����� "Mousse..."
����� "The way YOU and YOUR GRANDMOTHER treat me is inhuman!� I slave for
you day after day after day... and yet, I receive no gratitude, not even
a much-deserved 'thank you' from you or that old bag!� The things I went
through, I did them because of how much I loved you.� The least you
could've done was acknowledge my existence.� But NO!� You had to be Miss
Self-Important!� Miss I-won't-stoop-so-low-to-the-level-of-that-idiot!
Well, guess what!� This idiot has had it!� You go find yourself some
other poor schmuck to torture and boss around!"
����� Mousse grabbed the front of his clothing and tore the apron away
and threw it on the floor.� He then slammed the broom beside it.� Shampoo
involuntarily reached out, a gesture she was not familiar with.� She
called out his name.� Her face seemed almost pleading.� But the man was
beyond reach, any reach anymore.� His eyes were burning with the fire of
vengeance.� He just slapped the hand away as if the mere gesture was a
mockery.� He started calming down, but the anger still made him tremble.
����� "Why do you think so low of me?!?� Is it because of my low rank as
a male Amazon?� Or do you just hate me all-together?� Back in China, in
the annual Martial Arts Tournament, you have no idea how much I wanted to
get on that log and challenge you to a duel and win.� But then that
stupid Ranma had to butt in like that.� Besides, only outsiders were
given that privilege.� Is that what it will take for you to be mine?
Fine then, right now I sever all ties with our tribe and as an outsider
challenge you to a duel that will determine your fate."
����� Mousse slid his foot under the club nearest him and, with a slight
kick, made it sail towards Shampoo's hand.� Shampoo caught it without
being aware of it.� She just stared at him dumbfounded.� Mousse then
reached inside his robes and produced a pair of dangerous-looking scythes
from each sleeve.� He readied himself into a stance.
����� Shampoo stared at him and then to the club in her hand.� Only then
did she begin to grasp the gravity of her situation.� Then Mousse gave
out a battle cry that burrowed deep inside her heart.
����� The angered man charged the Amazon with a dragon's fury.� His first
blow was blocked at the last minute by the still confused woman.� The
club jarred in her hands from the power of the weapons' impact.� Mousse
was not holding back.
����� Shampoo vainly blocked each of Mousse's assaults.� But her weapon
eventually gave and the club snapped.� Only then were the two able to
breathe.� Shampoo breathed heavily, her hands still numb from blocking
the onslaught.� She touched her face and found it to be sweating, cold
and clammy.� She looked up at the face of her adversary.� Not even a hint
of worry or mercy could be seen from the man's face.
����� Shampoo began to realize that she might be fighting for her life at
the moment.
����� Mousse gave a pointing gesture at Shampoo.� She didn't get it at
first but when she turned around, she found the other club just behind
her.
����� "Pick it up."� His voice was cold and unwavering.
����� She hesitated but this only fueled his anger.
����� "PICK IT UP AND FIGHT ME, DAMNIT!"
����� Shampoo slowly knelt down and picked up the club with trembling
hands.� She then faced him; her eyes were like that of a child's,
pleading him to stop.
����� "No holding back..."
����� Mousse cried out all the rage that has been kept in him all these
years.� Shampoo closed her eyes shut and blindly swung her weapon.� She
didn't care anymore; she just wanted him to stop.
����� In that fraction of a second
��������������������������� their weapons met
������������� stifling their screams
���������������������� silencing the wind
�������������������������������� causing the world to stand still.
����� When she realized that she was still alive, Shampoo opened her
eyes.� She saw that her club was sliced into two but she did manage to
knock one of the blades out of Mousse's robe.� She felt weak and her
knees almost gave way under her.� She leaned on the wall and breathed in
a gulp of air.
����� Mousse sheathed the remaining blade back into his robes.� He
shrugged and smirked at her.
����� "I guess it's a tie then..."
����� He walked up to her and held her by the nape.� Before she could
protest, Mousse drew her to him and kissed her.� She held her breath and
took in his warm, tender lips.� He drew back but she kept her place,
still mesmerized.� Only when she realized that his lips were gone did she
open her eyes.� That's when she saw the pain in his eyes.
����� "I would've given you all I had, all I am, just to make you
mine..."
����� He drew her to him one more time and placed a gentle kiss on her
forehead.� He took in the intoxicating scent of her purple locks.� He let
go of her and started walking away.
����� "Bie Lao..."
----------
����� He woke up with a start.� He blindly searched for his glasses with
his hands.� When he found them, he looked at the time and was surprised
at how late it was.� He clumsily hurried to put his robes on.� He hoped
that the old bag didn't notice his unexpected absence.� He came out of
his room, still scratching the laziness out of his head.� The first thing
he tried to look for was a broom to start cleaning the front of the
restaurant.� He was surprised to see it not in the usual place he kept it
in.� He nonchalantly grabbed the wooden handle and lazily dragged it to
the front of the restaurant.� As he was opening the door, he heard
hurried steps coming down from the upstairs.� He turned just in time to
see Shampoo coming at him.� His first instinct was to bring his hands up
into a blocking position.� He was surprised at the softness of the attack
only to realize that Shampoo was actually embracing him.� He was too
confused to even enjoy the moment.� Only then did he notice that Shampoo
was saying something.
����� "Mousse, please no leave Shampoo!� Shampoo sorry for all things
Shampoo done.� Shampoo blind and not see what in front of Shampoo!
Shampoo promise to treat Mousse more better!� Just don't let Mousse leave
Shampoo!"
����� "Shampoo, I was just..."
����� But his conscience clonked him on the head just to remind him of
the opportunity he had in front of him.� He dropped the broom and gave in
to Shampoo's affections.
����� "Oh, Shampoo.� I won't leave, I promise.� Never again, my dear,
sweet Shampoo."
����� Tears streaked the Amazon's face.� Mousse looked into her pleading
eyes and found them to be sad and sincere.
����� "Y-you promise?"
����� "Um, yes?"
����� Shampoo renewed her hug.� She squeezed him for all he was worth
(which wasn't much, but he didn't have to know).
����� "Shampoo so happy!� Shampoo know Mousse is right man for her!"
����� "I am?� I mean, I AM!� And I'm glad you see it that way now."
����� "Oh, Mousse..."
����� Shampoo melted into his arms.� She raised her head and stared into
the blind man's eyes.� She closed her own and wet her lips.� It a moment
for Mousse to realize what she was waiting for.� This was too good to be
true.� He looked around and pinched himself on the cheek just to see if
it was a dream.� He then shrugged and drew his lips towards hers.
����� Their lips met, softly and magical at first, then torridly like
long, lost lovers.� He could feel her soft tongue probing inside of his
mouth and found it sensually intoxicating.� He drew her closer pressing
her entire body towards his and...
����� Well, you get the gist.
----------
����� "It's so romantic, it's sickening."
����� Kii dumped the robe and wig into the trash can and placed the lid
back on.� He started walking away from the restaurant.� Facing the
morning sun, he shielded his eyes only to realize that his glasses were
on his head all this time.
����� "Uh oh.� I hope she didn't notice.� Oh well... next stop, the
Tendos."
==========
Part 2, Saint and Mother
����� He gave the wooden structure a rap with one hand while holding a
huge paper bag with the other.� The doors parted and he was greeted by a
sight more bright and elegant than the morning sun.
����� "Oh my, hello, Kiiroi.� Come in!"
����� "Ohayo, Kasumi-chan."
----------
����� He waited patiently while she busied herself in the kitchen.� He
found the house unusually quiet with most of the people gone.
����� "By the way, where is everybody?"
����� "Oh, father was accompanied by Mr. Saotome to a neighborhood
meeting.� Father's the neighborhood chairman, you know.� And grandfather
Happosai went to Furinkan High.� I think he's visiting Ranma and Akane
there.� Isn't he sweet?� And of course, Ranma and my sisters are in
school, which is where YOU should be, shouldn't you?"
����� "Well, I..."
����� Kasumi emerged from the kitchen door carrying a tray a glass of
orange juice and a platter of biscuits.
����� "Don't worry, I can read it from you face."
����� Kiiroi was surprised by this.� "How did you...?"
����� Kasumi just beamed and sat herself beside Kii.
����� "Oh, I don't know.� Call it a woman's intuition, I guess.� When?"
����� "Later.� I just have to finish my transfer papers and talk to
Ukyou."
����� "Do you really have to leave?"
����� "I guess so, I mean, I've caused so much trouble already..."
����� Kasumi patted his hand.� "Oh, no.� You weren't any trouble at
all..."
����� Kiiroi just smiled.� "Nonetheless, I still have to leave."
����� "Where are you going?� Back to China?"
����� "No.� Maybe Tokyo, I don't know.� I want to do a bit of traveling.
You know, soul-searching."
����� "Hmm.� That's nice.� I'm happy for you."
����� "Kasumi?"
����� "Hmm?"
����� He stared into her eyes.� How it melted his heart seeing her paying
so much attention to him.� And he wondered if angels were capable of
hating.
����� "The reason I came here was because I came to say goodbye... and to
tell you that you've held a special place in my heart..."
����� He felt so corny saying those lines but he couldn't find any other
way of telling her this.
����� "And I will remember you as well, Kii."
����� Kii searched his mind, trying to remember that night...
����� "That night that we talked... that meant a lot to me.� Even Ukyou
can't be that sincere and feminine with me... not her fault though.� But
it's just that... well... it's like..."
����� He grabbed a glass and took a gulp to calm his nerves.� There was
no sense hiding it now.
����� "Did you know that I had an elder sister?"
����� "Oh, you did?"
����� "Yes.� Her name was... Kasumi..."
����� Kii paused, trying to recall the sister he never met.
����� "She died a few months after she was born.� Mom... she'd talk
endlessly about her wonderful angel.� She told me that my sister had
bright, inquisitive eyes and that she rarely cried.� Always laughing,
always happy.� Often I wondered what it would've been like to grow up
with an older sister.� When I met you, I felt..."
����� Kasumi's disposition was replaced by an unmeasured sadness.� She
inched herself closer to Kii and placed an arm over his shoulders.
����� "What's the matter, Kii?� Something else is troubling you... I can
sense it."
����� Kii's eyes started getting misty and he was already choking in his
own words.� "It's just... after today... I... everything will... I don't
want it to go away..."
����� Kasumi drew him close and held him.� He was immediately racked with
sobbing.� He found himself small and pitiful.� He couldn't even stop
himself from crying.� It wasn't suppose to be like this...
����� "There, there.� Shhh.� You don't have to talk, just let it all out.
It's okay..."� Kasumi stroked his head and just kept on encouraging him.
����� When the sobbing eventually slowed down, he drew himself away and
took off his glasses.� Kasumi grabbed the end of her apron and dried his
face with it.� She stroked away the remaining tears with her hand.
����� "Look at me, crying like a little boy..."
����� Kasumi smiled sincerely.� "Sometimes, there's nothing else we CAN
do BUT cry.� I remember when my mother died.� Everybody was grieved by
the loss.� Even father couldn't stay strong enough for all of us.� He
just loved her so much.� So I tried to be brave for all of them and tried
to fill the void that mother left.� But each night I found myself
silently crying.
����� "But it helped.� Crying helped me remember everything that was good
about her.� Crying helped me not to forget what a wonderful person she
was.� And it didn't hurt as much anymore."
����� They were both silent for a long time, each paying their respect to
their departed loved one.� Then it was Kii who broke the utter stillness.
����� "Actually, that's part of the reason why I'm here."
����� It was apparent in Kasumi's face that she did not understand Kii's
statement.� "Pardon me?"
����� Kii heaved a hefty amount of air to relax himself.� He already
practiced what he was going to say on the way to the Tendo residence.
����� "It's just that... I've observed that you've been working so hard
taking care of everybody's wants and needs.� And it's such a big
sacrifice on your part, too.� I don't even see anybody lifting a finger
just to make your chores a bit easier for you."
����� "Oh, no.� Don't get them wrong, Kii.� It's just that, I insisted
that Father not do the chores.� I promised him that I'll do a job Mom
would be proud off.� As for Nabiki, she only cleans up after the mess she
makes.� The only one who's actually eager to do housework is Akane.� But
Father told me, secretly of course, to discourage her to do housework
because she's the heir to the family's martial-arts legacy.� At least,
that's what he told me, but I think it has something more to do with
Akane's cooking.� She's not that good, you know..." *giggle*
����� "So I heard... but that's exactly my point.� You're putting too
much responsibility on yourself.� Look at you!� You're young and full of
life!� You too should give yourself time relax."
����� "But there's nobody here who can my chores for me."
����� Kii just gave her a big grin.
����� "You?� Oh my.� I may make it look easy but housework is very hard
work.� Do you know how to do chores?� I'd expect a rich boy like you to
be pampered by maids and butlers..."
����� "Oh how low you think of me..." Kii whimpered but in a joking
manner.
����� "I'm sorry."� She smiled.
����� "Actually, my mom never spoiled me like that.� That's why we only
have a small house here in Japan.� And my mom's always off to China or
where ever, so she decided to teach me how to take care of myself.� She
said that an all-around son makes for an ideal husband."
����� "Aren't all mothers the same?� Well, if that's the case then I
guess my life is safe in your hands.� What now?"
����� "Well..."
����� Kii grabbed the paper bag and produced a piece of paper from
inside.
����� "This will be your itinerary."
����� Kasumi read through the paper.� It was a three-hour schedule that
would end around lunchtime with an impressive full course meal.� It was
so overwhelming that all she could say was...
����� "Oh my."
����� "We'll start off with this."
����� Kii dug around the paper bag and got out a flimsily-wrapped gift.
He handed it to Kasumi who didn't waste any time opening it.� She caught
a glimpse of something red and shiny.� When it was all done, she unfolded
it and she found herself holding an elegant red silk robe with a golden
dragon print going all around it.
����� "Oh my.� It's wonderful, thank you."
����� "You wait here while I get your bath ready."
����� "Okay."
����� Kii stood up with the paper bag and proceeded to the kitchen.
After setting up there, he got several of the bag's contents out and
brought them to the bathroom.� Kasumi was left there in the dining area.
She was smiling in amusement and was excited of the surprises that the
young Niwatori had in store for her.� She wasn't given much time to think
however for he was beside her as if he appeared from thin air.
����� "Oh... how did..."
����� "Family secret.� You're bath's ready."
����� "That was fast... well, okay then."
����� Kasumi stood up with her new silk robe and headed for the bathroom.
Kii watched her leave, then he tried to recall the entire plan in his
head.
----------
����� There was a soft classical music coming from inside.� She couldn't
identify it but found it pleasant nonetheless.� She slid open the door
and was greeted by a glowing mist.� Kasumi was overwhelmed by what she
saw.
����� "Oh... my."
����� The lights were turned off but the place was lit by dozens of
scented candles of different shapes and sizes.� As if the candles weren't
enough, rose petals and potpourri covered the floor.� The tub was freshly
filled with hot water.� Right beside it were small bottles and vials of
shampoos and soaps and exotic herbs.� Just by the tub's corner, a small
CD player was playing the mellow tune.� Kasumi inhaled the heavily
scented air and started undoing her apron.
----------
����� "Okay, all set."
����� Kii was now set to do housework.� He was wearing a pink-and-white-
checkered apron with a figure in the upper-middle who looked suspiciously
like Hikaru Shido of Magic Knight Rayearth in super-deformed cat form.
It was a laughable sight but then, there was nobody else there to do the
laughing.� To complete the ensemble, he drew out a bandanna with
"shigoto" embroidered three times.� It was a gift from his mom so that he
would be reminded of her constant nagging when she was out of town.
����� And just like that, he was off like the wind.
����� The first ten minutes was pretty tough.� He had to setup and
measure the ingredients, rearrange the laundry into white and colored,
and dust and vacuum the entire second floor.
����� Now came the hard part.� Now, he had to continue with all three
chores while remembering which goes where and remembering to wash his
hands before moving on to the next chore.
----------
����� The noise and clatter coming from the other side of the door was
drowned in the comforting silence of the bathroom.� Kasumi was already in
the tub pouring a third bottle of liquid soap into the water.� She took a
handful of rose petals from a bowl beside the vials and sprinkled the
crimson confetti into the water.� She started agitating the water and
bubbles began to form.� She giggled as the whole tub began overflowing
with bubbles.
����� *giggle*� "Oh my!� I think I put in too much soap..."
����� She scooped some bubbles in both hands and blew into them.� She saw
some of the bubbles glide for a bit before they popped out of existence.
For a moment, all the worries of housework and life left her and the
bathroom was filled with angelic, childlike, melodic laughter.
����� Kasumi reached for the back of her head and took out the pin
holding her hair.� The chestnut locks cascaded down into the waters like
a chocolate waterfall.� She slowly lowered her upper body into the warm,
relaxing waters.� She disappeared into the bubbles for a moment or two
before reemerging with an unwavering smile.
����� "Aah.� That felt good.� I should do this more often..."
----------
����� The hectic phase eventually slowed down.
����� Kii has just finished dusting and vacuuming and polishing the first
floor and sweeping the front and the yard, and the laundry was probably
entering its spin cycle.� Right now, the water was boiling, the chicken
was broiling, the lasagna was baking, and Kii was chopping vegetables at
a rate of one piece per three seconds.� He looked at the clock and
realized that Kasumi was in the tub for more than half an hour already.
The dirtier part of his mind told him that he should go check on her.� He
was almost tempted by the suggestion when he heard the doors slide open.
����� Kasumi emerged from the door, still glistening from her steamy
bath.� The robe reached up to a little over her knees and so it was
unavoidable for her to catch Kii ogling at her long, shapely legs.� She
was still busy drying her hair with a towel.
����� "Oh my.� You've been busy..."
����� O_O
����� Kii was frozen in mid-chop before he realized that Kasumi was
talking to him.
����� "Kii..."
����� "Huh?!?� Oh, yeah!� Right!� Busy!� I wasn't looking!� Gotta keep
busy!� Okay, so I was... but!� You know!� Chicken?!?� Chicken is done?!?
No, yes!� I..."
����� Kasumi giggled at Kii's blushing face.� "I'll go wait in the dining
area for my massage, okay?"
����� "M-massage?"
����� Kii's hands fumbled with the knife and almost cut himself in the
process.� His glasses fogged up and so he had to wipe them before
rechecking the itinerary.� Massage.� It was there, only when he imagined
it, Kasumi got dressed after her bath.� It took him a minute before he
could wipe the smile off of his face.
----------
����� Kasumi sat herself down by the table and continued drying her hair.
The sun was still hanging low enough that she could bask in its warmth.
It was probably around ten o' clock.� Kii emerged from the kitchen door
carrying a tall glass of iced tea.
����� "Did you clean the..."
����� "Yup."
����� "What about the..."
����� "That also -"
����� "And the..."
����� "The whites are cleaning themselves now."
����� "Is there anything you haven't done?!?"
����� "Well, I haven't done the dishes yet.� I'll do that after lunch."
����� Kasumi just smiled, apparently impressed.� "Now what?"
����� "Now you sit back and relax while we wait for your lunch to cook."
����� Kii placed himself near Kasumi's feet and made a gesture as if
asking for permission.� Kasumi just nodded and Kii picked up her foot.
He examined the wonderful sole and was pretty surprised that a person can
actually be enamored with a foot.
����� He then began pressing pressure points around the sole.� Kasumi was
jolted by the sudden pain followed by an electrifying feeling of
pleasure.� She leaned back with her hands for support and closed her
eyes.� Each time Kii pressed a sensitive area, she found herself seeing
bright relaxing colors.� She also found herself getting slightly tickled
and so she laughed, not even bothering to stifle her laughter.� Kii, on
the other hand, could have died right then and there, for all he cared -
he had gone to heaven and heard a goddess laugh.
����� "That feels wonderful.� Is it some form of shiatsu?"
����� "Oh, no.� It's physiotherapy.� I grabbed a book about it once and
learned it quickly.� My mom's my best customer.� This is how I get her to
raise my allowance."
����� Kii shifted to the other foot and Kasumi continued laughing.� When
he finished with the feet, he proceeded to her calves.� He stroked the
long, silky legs, putting pressure on the right places.� Unfortunately,
going into further detail might classify this chapter as a lemon.
����� "Oh, wait."
����� Kii got up and checked the kitchen.� He then went to the laundry
area where he started washing the colors and started hanging the whites.
����� Kasumi took a sip of the iced tea.� It was so refreshing.
Everything felt so dreamlike and she hoped that it wouldn't end too soon.
����� Kii reemerged and was ready to continue the pleasure session.
����� "Okay, your hands are next."
����� Kasumi reached out one hand and Kii held it ever so gently.� To
hold hands with an angel, how he drew all the self-control he had just to
keep himself from kissing those ivory fingers.� The massage climbed from
hand to arm to shoulder to... the next hand.� When that was over, Kii
felt exhausted from exerting too much effort on self-control.� But then,
there was still one dirty-deed left to do.
����� He placed himself behind Kasumi and placed her hair over one
shoulder.� He then began rubbing her slender neck.
����� "Mmmmm.� That feels so good."
����� Kii's face was a mask of sweat.� His hands slowly descended to her
shoulders.
����� "Here, let me help."
����� Kasumi loosened the silk robe and lowered it a bit to expose her
milky white skin.� Unknown to her, Kii was already running to the
bathroom, suffering from a severe case of nosebleed.� Fortunately the
whole thing took only four seconds even if he had to crawl back to her in
the process.
����� "Kii?"
����� "I'm shnarning..."
����� "What's wrong with your voice?"
����� "Hoh, noshing..."
����� ... except for the fact that wads of toilet paper was jammed up his
nose.� As he rubbed the smooth, flowing shoulders...
----------
����� "I'm glad that's over."
����� That was about the fourteenth time that he'd said that and he still
couldn't get over the harrowing experience.� He was putting the final
touches on the entrees.� He sent Kasumi to her room around an hour ago so
that she could change and rest a bit, and he could finish the food
preparations.� He added a bit of garnish as a final touch.� He carried
the tray and left the kitchen.� He laid the tray on the table with the
rest of the set-up.� Another tray containing the teacups and leaves was
already set.� There was also a vase with a single rose added for
ambience.� Dessert was still in the kitchen and wouldn't be served until
later.
����� Seeing that everything was ready, he proceeded to go upstairs and
call Kasumi.� He arrived in front of her door and paused for a moment.
He tried listen in but heard nothing so he gave the door a soft knock.
Nobody answered at first, so he knocked again.� Some sort of shuffling
went on inside before Kasumi answered.
����� "Kii?"
����� "Um.� Lunch is ready..."
����� He could hear her footsteps getting closer.� Then door opened.� He
almost jumped back and for that moment, he forgot to breathe.� Kasumi was
wearing a yellow hanging shirt, which showed most of her tummy, and a
pair of very high cut shorts, which ran up her slender thighs.
����� "Sorry about that.� I fell asleep.� Kii?� Are you okay?� You don't
look to good."
����� *breathe... breathe... breathe!*� "BREATHE!"
����� Kii was able to force his body to gasp for air.� His face was
covered with cold sweat.
����� "Kii?"
����� "I'm... I'm okay..."
����� "Well, let's go."
����� They proceeded downstairs with Kii holding his chest tightly.
----------
����� "This looks nice."
����� Kasumi was referring to the plate with a chicken thigh, a slice of
lasagna and some side-serving of vegetable and corn.� A similar setting
was set up across the table for Kii.
����� "You're just saying that..."
����� "No, really!� I mean it!� Nobody's ever done anything like this for
me before."
����� "Well, shall we?"� They sat themselves across of each other.� Kii
picked up the teakettle and looked at Kasumi.
����� "Yes, please."
����� He filled the teacup in front of her then proceeded to pour himself
a serving.� They ate nonchalantly and gave into post-lunch conversation.
Yet one could sense the underlying tension in the event, for after this,
they knew that they were never going to see each other ever again.
----------
����� He was just finishing the dishes and the laundry was neatly hung in
the clothesline.� She watched him while cradling a glass of iced tea.
����� "Kii?"
����� "Hmm?"
����� "Thank you."
����� "No problem."
����� "No, really.� Thank you."
����� Kii placed the last of the dishes on the rack and drained the
water.� He removed the rubber gloves and wiped his hands on his apron.
He turned to her.� It was the first time he saw her not smiling.� Her
face was sadness in its purest form, and he felt his heart break.
����� "I know, Kasumi."
����� She approached him and held the iced tea towards him.� Instead of
taking the glass, he lowered his head and sipped on the straw.� He then
stood straight and smiled at her.� She giggled a bit and the glow on her
face returned.� She placed the glass on the kitchen table.
����� "Kasumi?"
����� "Hmm?"
����� "Don't sell yourself short."
����� "What?"
����� "You're a wonderful person, talented, and beautiful.� Be selfish
for once and do what you want.� The others will understand."
����� "What...?"
����� Kasumi was speechless.� But before she could say anything...
����� "Goodbye, Kasumi."
����� Then she felt everything inside her begin to swell up.� She closed
her eyes and tears rolled down her cheeks.� She placed both arms around
Kii and embraced him before she broke down.� Kii returned the hug but not
as intense.� He knew that he'd break down, too, and he didn't need that
right now.
����� He broke the hug first, raised his glasses and wiped his eyes.� He
stared at her, her eyes still watering and filled with sadness.
����� "Sayonara."
����� "Sayonara, Kii-chan."
----------
����� Kasumi watched him leave until he disappeared over the horizon.
She stood there for a few more minutes, a lot of things still in her
mind.� She then went in and closed herself from the world outside.
==========
Part 3, Kindred
����� *Bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored,
bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bore- ooh!� A fifty yen piece!*
����� Nabiki knocked her pen off the table and leaned down to get it,
grabbing the coin in the process.� She righted herself and stared at the
gibberish written on the board.� The teacher was saying something while
pointing to the board.� She didn't care right now.� She found the day
slow and uninteresting.� So she returned to what she was doing before.
����� *Bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored...*
����� She twirled the coin on the table to pass the time.
����� "Miss Tendo!"
����� Nabiki snapped up and slammed the coin on the table.
����� "What?!� I didn't do anything!"
����� Everyone in the class turned to Nabiki.� She was beginning to feel
her cheeks getting red.
����� "What are you talking about?� There's someone here to see you!"
����� This caught the class's attention but their interest dwindled when
they saw that the visitor was the young Niwatori and not some mysterious
lover.
����� Nabiki was only too happy to leave her class.� She stepped outside
and greeted Kii with a smile.
����� "You're a lifesaver; a few more minutes in that class and I
would've gone bonkers."
����� Kii smiled back but he just stood silent.
����� "So, what can I do for you?"
����� "Nabiki... I'm..."
����� For some unknown reason, Nabiki suddenly felt sick.� Her eyes
widened as she realized what he was going to tell her.
����� "No, don't..."
����� "What?"
����� "You're... you're leaving?"
����� Kii just stared at her for a moment, wondering if the Tendos had
psychics in their lineage.
����� "Wow.� That 'woman's intuition' is really amazing..."
����� Without realizing it, Nabiki brought her hand up and slapped Kii
across the face.� Even Kii wasn't able to anticipate this.
����� "How dare you!"
����� "What?!"
����� Kii was dumbfounded.� The class returned their attention to the
commotion outside.
����� "What do you mean you're leaving?!"
����� "I have to."
����� "You can't!� You can't!"
����� Nabiki began flinging her arms and beating his chest.� Kii just
took it all in.� She began to waver and feel weak again but she did her
best not to cry.� Nabiki Tendo does not cry.
����� Kii held her firm.� "Why so distraught?"
����� "I... I don't know..."
����� Nabiki just leaned her head on his chest.� Her stare was distant.
She felt herself floating in space and she could fall and crash to the
ground at anytime.
����� "I guess..."
����� She pulled away.
����� "I guess... I just wanted to exploit you for all your money."� She
managed to smile but not in her usual conniving way.� "And I still wanted
to exploit your bod... never mind."
����� Nabiki blushed then laughed.� Kii laughed with her, not caring that
the students' faces were pressed on the classroom windows, trying to see
the event outside.
����� "Do you really have to go?"
����� Kii stared at her.� Maybe it was the way the sun shined on her
face, or maybe it was the moment, but for that instance, Nabiki looked
like an angel.� The sadness in her eyes and the soft smile on her face
was reminiscent of the way Kasumi looked at him earlier.
����� "Yes.� Yes, I do.� But I wanted to tell you something first..."
����� "What?"
����� "That you're the first girl I've ever actually hated... and because
of that, you'll hold a special place in my heart."
����� Nabiki felt awkward.� "Cut the sentiments."
����� "Okay.� I'm sorry.� I also wanted to give you this..."
����� Kii brought up his hand.� In it, he held a small jewelry case.
Nabiki brought her hand up and nervously flipped the top open.� All she
saw at first was a bundle of golden chains.� She pulled one end up and
the whole thing revealed itself.� It was a charm bracelet.� But instead
of the usual horseshoes, clovers and stars, the charms were golden
dollars, pounds and yens, all of which are studded with a single
glittering diamond in its center.
����� Nabiki stared at it for a while, mesmerized by it's monetary
beauty.� She snapped back to reality when Kii took it from her and
started putting it on her wrist.
����� "Wow."
����� "Is that all you're going to say?"
����� "2k?"
����� "Fourteen..."
����� "Are those real diamonds?"
����� "Yup."
����� "Wow.� How much is..."
����� "A lot."
����� "I'll bet.� I could get a lot for this..."
����� "But you won't sell it."
����� "Don't be too sure."� Nabiki stared at it while she tested the
weight on her wrist.� It was pretty heavy and this made her smile.� And
then she remembered.
����� "Goodbye, Nabiki."
����� Kii began to turn.� Nabiki felt that she had to do something.� He
had the last word and she wouldn't be able to come back at him after
this.� So she did the only thing she could do... she grabbed him on the
shoulder, turned him around and...
����� "Wha... umph!"
����� The students up to two classrooms across bellowed and cheered as
Nabiki drew Kii to her and kissed him full on the lips.� Kii found
himself pressing her to him and kissing back and both did not hold back.
Most of the girls giggled and covered their eyes while the boys stared
wide-eyed as they watched the pair's tongues push into each other's
mouth.
����� They slowly broke the kiss off.� Nabiki was breathing heavily.� She
felt flushed and her heart pounded like crazy inside her chest.� She
looked up and saw Kii smiling at her.
����� "Always the last word, huh?"
����� "You know me."
����� "Goodbye, Nabiki."
����� Kii kissed her on the forehead, then turned and walked away.
����� "Goodbye, Kii."
����� Amidst all the cheering, Nabiki drew her hand to her face and she
wiped away imaginary tears.
==========
����� The sun was already hanging low.� From down below, he could see the
students leaving for their respective homes.� She crept up behind him.
He felt her approaching him but he didn't bother to turn.
����� "You were right."
����� The intruder was surprised that he was able to detect her presence.
����� "Everything DID work out like you said.� Maybe I did plan all
this."
����� "You have the power to influence and dictate people's lives.
That's a big responsibility."
����� "That's why I'm leaving..."
����� "Oh."
����� The two stood there in the silence for some time.
����� "So, child..."
����� "So."
����� "So, you've done a lot of mischief today, haven't you?"
����� "I wouldn't call it that.� How is your granddaughter?"
����� "She's with the blind idiot.� That little stunt you pulled did a
lot.� They're pawing each other like crazy.� Their inseparable and
sweeter than a dragon's beard.� But the day isn't over yet, is it?"
����� "No, of course not.� Just one more..."
����� "And then you leave?"
����� "Yes."
����� "You're not going back to China, are you...?"
����� "No."
����� "I understand."
����� "It has been a wonderful experience for me.� I think I've grown to
love Nerima."
����� "It does that to you..."
����� "But still, I have to go."
����� "I know.� You will be remembered."
����� Kii didn't say anything.� A gust blew the Amazon's hair out of
place.� She stroked it away from her eyes.� And just like that, he was
gone.
����� "Then again, maybe not."
---------------
end of part 18
---------------
����� Dragon's beard refers to dragon's beard candy, just in case you
want to know.� It saddens me as I near the end for I ask myself, "Now
what?"� For comments and suggestions, please write to the "Nikholas F.
Toledo Zu" at niftol@i-manila.com.ph, care of NomaD.
����� I'd like to thank the following people :
Switch, your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb.� But you didn't
hear this from me.
Elf, hang in there.
Nomadess, what I wouldn't give to be as apathetic as you are.� I should
hate you...
����� You don't gamble on the things that count.
����������������������� -� the Avid Reader
����� Overspecialize and you breed in weakness.
����������������������� -� Major Kusanagi, Ghost in the Shell
����� Cigarettes are the only legal products that are deadly if used
exactly as intended.
����� Slide.
����������������������� - Penguin, Fight Club
����� I've never been fucked like that since grade school!
����������������������� - Marla, Fight Club
-NomaD-
:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
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