Chapter Two
Oshitari Yuushi blinked. "What?" He questioned slightly, for he wasn’t sure if what he had heard was correct. Oshitari stood in Atobe's office and watched his best friend cautiously.
" can see ."
Oshitari narrowed his eyes. He knew Atobe too well. Something was definitely up or he wouldn’t consent like this so easily. "I sense a 'but' in your statement somewhere." He said bluntly as he placed a hand in his pockets. He had asked Atobe on several occasions to allow to see her son, but he had always denied her the right.
" can see , but I don't want him to know that she is his mother."
"Congratulations Atobe." Oshitari whispered softly. "For years I have defended you when people called you a jerk, and now I have to go and apologize to them." He said flatly as he left Atobe's office with a slam of the door.
~~~
Fuji Syuusuke.
It was an interesting name. I don’t think I've ever heard of that name before. After we had lunch, he offered to walk me back, but I politely declined. I liked his company, but I wasn’t sure yet if I wanted him knowing where I lived. However, he did stop a cab for me and escorted me in. During our conversation he had taken my cell and dialed his number. "You could've just asked." I had said at that time, but he just gave me one of his angelic smiles.
I reached my apartment building and walked in. The security guard gave me a look of concern and I thanked him for worrying about me the other day and allowing Oshitari in. I reached my floor and let myself into the apartment. I felt at ease as I fell onto the sofa. I lay my head on he sofa pillow and closed my eyes. Things have changed in my life and I needed to find a better way of approaching them. I was just about to get up and take a shower when my door knocked. I knew immediately who it was as I opened the door. "Hi."
Oshitari Yuushi looked at me with a slight surprise. His eyes studied me and then a frown settled on his delicate lips. "You're not emitting a back off or I'll bite aura." He concluded as he walked into my apartment. "Are you better?"
I nodded and gave him a light smile. I was actually feeling better. Was it because of my encounter with Fuji that made me feel like this? I thought to myself as I went to the kitchen to fix some drinks for Yuushi and myself. I'm thinking too much into this, I'll probably never see Fuji Syuusuke again. "Yuushi, would you like coffee or fresh juice?"
He took off his suit jacket, placed it on the table and walked into the kitchen as well. "I'll fix my coffee." He offered as he took the stuff that he needed. I watched him carefully and noticed that there was something wrong with him. "Normally the question is directed at me, but Yuushi, is something the matter?"
He let out a sigh as his hand dropped from the cupboard door and watched me. "Before I even tell you what's off beam, I want you to promise me that you will say no."
Something in his statement made me realize how serious this must be. Although I knew he was going to hate me for this, for I wasn’t one to act rashly without having all the details. "I can't promise you anything if I didn't know all the facts." I said quietly and the look he gave me was one of disappointment.
He walked closer to me and placed his hands on my shoulders. "You can see ."
My heart felt like it was given an extra jolt of electricity. I searched his face to see if there were signs of a cruel joke in them, but there was none. Yet, something in my heart knew something was amiss, for I knew my ex-husband too well. "I can't tell him I'm his mother, right?" I whispered, hurt, as I looked down at the floor.
He didn’t say anything. Instead, the hands that had clasped on my shoulders pulled me in for an embrace and held me tightly. "You're such an idiot." I whispered softly as he held me. "You fret too much about me." I added quietly, "I'm fine…"
"Please say no."
I shook my head, still in his arms. "That is one thing I can't do." I answered avoiding his gaze. "Just to see grow up is enough for me." I remarked as tears of reprieve flowed down my cheeks. "I don't need him to call me mother, Yuushi." I assured, "I really don't."
He let out a defeated sigh. It was if he already knew what I wanted to say. "Do you know why he is doing this?" I heard him ask me.
The question did enter my mind a lot, but I was clueless. However, I had some theories of my own. "Maybe it's because Keigo never grew up with a mother." I reasoned as Yuushi continued to make his coffee. I suddenly remembered something, "I recall at one time that his father said something that if a boy grows up weak it's because his mother was always there to baby him…" I murmured as I put a finger to my lips.
"They've got issues.' He muttered as he stirred his coffee and then took a sip of it. He finished his coffee and then look at me, "So how do you want to do this?" He asked me quietly. "I'm the one who will bring to you; I will not allow Atobe to do that."
I didn’t really think of that. I thought for a second and then looked at him, "How about Keigo's country house, Yuushi?" I asked because if I wanted to see my son, I wanted privacy. "You guys come along too because will think it peculiar that I'm meeting him by myself, so you, Yui, and come too." I said quickly. "Just say you guys are going out and I'm meeting you as well."
Oshitari watched me and nodded. "Sounds like a plan." He said quietly. "Let's do this tomorrow, alright?"
I nodded happily and watched him go. It was still early in the evening and I had a lot of things to do. I couldn't wait. I decided to quickly get that shower and sleep. If I sleep early, tomorrow will come early.
~~~
Oshitari Yui watched her husband and felt something was amiss. She walked up to him from behind and placed her hands on his shoulders as he sat on the chair. "You're much tensed." She murmured softly as she massaged her husband's shoulders.
He rubbed a hand through his hair and leaned on the chair as he raised his face to watch hers. "How much do you think a person can sacrifice till they end up breaking down?"
Yui watched her husband's face upside down as he looked at her. "Sacrifice?" She asked confused as she cupped his face. He let out a sigh and stood up, "We're going to Atobe's country house tomorrow." He told her as he explained the situation to her.
"I'll prepare a basket of goodies then."
Oshitari smirked, "You know the help there will probably prepare enough food for a wedding."
"But it won't be made with my loving heart." She winked as she went into the kitchen.
~~~
It had taken hours for morning to come, but I didn't care. As much as tired as I had been, I didn't care. I had kept staring at the alarm clock on my bed at every hour. Starting from 5 AM, then 6, then 7, and finally at 9 AM, when I was actually supposed to wake up.
Now I was in my car heading towards the country house. As much as I hate that place because we had spent a lot of private times there together, I simply didn't care. I needed privacy and that was the only place I was going to get it. It was an hour's drive and I finally arrived. I wasn't surprised to notice that I was the only one there. The help did look astonished though to find me there when the butler opened the door for me. "Oshitari-sama already told us to prepare things by the pool area, -sama." He informed me as I walked into the house.
Walking along the hallways, I shuddered as the déjà vu sense came to me. I hated these hallways, for it reminded me too much of him. Whenever we had wanted to be alone, we would've escaped to this place. This place was our peaceful heaven and seclusion. Now that I think about it, we never really fought here.
I walked towards the pool area and almost made it outside, but froze. What? What?! I asked myself shocked. Why is Keigo here? I thought as I watched my ex-husband lying tiredly on the pool chair only in swimming trunks. The look on his face was one of sheer exhaustion. "Keigo!" I found myself shouting as I walked outside. Several maids that stood around the area backed off quietly as they saw my wrath. "What are you doing here?" I demanded angrily glaring at him.
He looked at me and sat up from the chair. He moved his sunglasses to the top of his head and watched me carefully. "Excuse me?" he asked as he rubbed his bare shoulder, "This is MY house."
I looked at him hatefully. My day was ruined. It was totally ruined. "Yuushi's bringing here!" I hissed intensely. "You did this on purpose." I accused him with tears in my eyes. "You're a twisted…" I began, but we were interrupted.
"Daddy~"
His eyes narrowed as he saw running towards them. Atobe stood up and a maid placed a towel around his shoulders as he stretched quietly. "How many times have I told you not to run around the pool? You're still learning how to swim." Atobe remarked with an authoritative voice as he looked critically at his son.
looked embarrassed at being scolded. He put his hands behind his back and then he did something that surprised me. "I'm sorry." He apologized quietly as he bowed to his father. Once he lifted his head up, his eyes settled on me. "Um…"
Atobe watched him and then back at me. "This is -sama." He said curtly, just as Oshitari arrived with Yui and . Oshitari immediately looked alert as he noticed Atobe there as well. "She is a good friend of Oshi…"
"She is -chan's godmother!" interrupted happily. " -chan says nice things about you." He blushed as he stood in front of me. I watched my baby say those words and felt a tug at my heart. As much as I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me, I chose not to run this time. I placed my hand on his head and smiled at him, " has told me a lot of pleasant things about you too, ." I said softly with a voice I didn't recognize.
He blushed even more as his smile broadened. After a few minutes, he walked off to one of the maids as she helped him dress for the poolside. relaxed a bit, but not enough to be fully tranquil. My eyes went to my ex-husband and I eyed him dangerously. "If you want an apology from me, you're not getting it." He confirmed as he crossed his arms. "I needed a place to loosen up. I didn’t know someone was going to be here." he muttered as he lay back on the chair. "Just do whatever you want, I'm not moving from here." He mumbled with a wave of his hand.
I felt mortified. The day that I was so looking forward to was starting to collapse bit by bit. As my shoulders slumped, I felt a hand on one of it and when I turned to look, it was Yuushi. "The kids are waiting, ." He said with a sincere smile, "Go to them while I keep Atobe company."
I nodded hesitantly and decided to make the best of it. I changed quickly into a swimming suit and joined Yui and the children. I watched my son as he played with and they both looked thrilled at being here. We stayed in the water for some time and the whole time, I made sure I was close to . He was an inquisitive boy and he didn’t hesitate in asking me a lot of things. Even I ended up doing the same thing.
Finally, we decided to leave the pool. One of the maids gave me a towel and I dried myself. I saw trying to dry himself as the other maid helped and I walked towards him. "Hey…" I said softly, "Come here." I smiled gently as I towel dried his hair for him. He shivered slightly and to my surprise walked into my embrace. "Chilly…" he quivered.
I wrapped the towel around him and hugged him close. "How about we get some dry clothes for you then?" I asked as I lifted him up. He huddled close to me and put his arms around me. To my distaste, I found his things next to Keigo. I walked towards where he lay and just placed on my lap. One of the maids offered to help, but I declined politely. This is my boy and I want to do it. As I pulled out his clothes, sneezed and held me closer. "Cold….." he whined softly.
I felt my baby's body tremor through my own and I hugged him even tighter. "It's alright, sweetie." I soothed quietly as I helped him put on a sweater. "Bundle up in this and you'll feel better." I said as he nodded courageously. "Put socks on as well."
He obeyed without a word and did what he was told. Once he was done, he looked at me with awareness. "You can go to -chan and Yui and drink some hot chocolate. It will help you feel warmer."
As soon as ran towards them, I heard the famous, "Che…"
I looked to the source of that and glared at him. "Can I help you?" I asked Atobe without caring. "You're already babying him." He remarked in an exasperated tone. I watched him as he lay there lazily, he really did look out of it. He had an arm on his head and he was just watching. I stood up completely ignoring him and tied my hair into a ponytail. After a few seconds, I turned around and left him as I headed towards the group.
~~~
My day was going rather well. Even though Keigo was here; I dealt with myself and decided that his presence was not going to bother me. The kids spent a lot of time with me while we talked and played. Finally, it was lunchtime and I was taken aback to see that Keigo was joining us for lunch. I sat down next to him, completely ignoring him and I found sit next to me while took a seat next to his father. We ate in a semi-silence mood. Oshitari and Yui made some light conversation and we did join, but it was obvious that neither I nor Keigo were comfortable.
As I ate silently, I saw struggling a bit with his baby fork and knife. Before I could reach up to him and help, my ex-husband had beaten me to it and was actually showing him how to do it properly. I blinked when I saw that. I had thought that Keigo never really interfered in 's upbringing. This brought a question in mind, where is my son's nanny? I wanted to meet the woman and see if she is fit to handle my son.
Shaking my thoughts away, I resumed back to my food and finally we were all done. Keigo went back to his chair while sat on the floor reading and was coloring with her mother. I walked to my son and sat next to him, "What are you reading?"
"Poetry."
I let out a sigh and took the book from him. "Interesting." I remarked softly as I flipped through the book. What is Keigo teaching our son? I thought wryly to myself. I have no objection in liberal arts, but I didn’t want growing up only concerned about these. I was going to say more when my cell phone rang. I looked up distracted and walked to where Keigo was, for my handbag was there. Rummaging through my purse, I pulled out my phone and frowned. I didn't know the number.
"Hello?"
"-sama."
I sat down on the chair. "It's you, isn’t it?" I asked softly. I wasn't sure, but I had a feeling it was him. "I forgot that you had stolen my number."
A light chuckled came on the other side, "Not stole, but borrowed."
I felt light headed. Why was Fuji Syuusuke calling me? Wasn't yesterday just a coincidence? He said he wasn't like that. Then why is he calling me? I asked myself several times. "Is this…um…a social call?"
"I actually wanted to ask you to dinner."
I bit my lip. It was awkward. It was awkward. My ex-husband was next to me and I had someone on the phone asking me out. "On a date?" I questioned meekly trying to speak as quietly as possible.
He laughed. "Date is a rather strong word. How about for company?" he asked casually.
I hesitated. I was actually thinking of accepting, but I wasn't sure if I should, for I didn’t know what his true intentions were. Since he was being forward with me, I decided to be blunt as well. "You won't try anything funny…" I pointed out firmly.
"A tennis player's honor."
I rolled my eyes. "Please." I muttered sarcastically, "I told you I don't trust them." I said softly. "You have to try another way."
"On my honor then. Fuji Syuusuke's words."
The statement relaxed me. I agreed to dinner with him and we decided on a place to meet. Looking at my watch, I noticed that I still had a few good hours with before going home and getting dressed. I snuck a glance at Keigo and found him asleep. Whether he heard my conversation or not, I wasn’t sure, but I was glad that he didn't make any remarks to it.
By the time I knew it, it was time for all of us to leave. I cherished this day, for it was one of the best days for me. I owed Yuushi a lot for making it easy for me. I walked up to and smiled at him as I leaned down and hugged my knees. "I had fun."
He nodded shyly and to my surprise he hugged me lightly. "Can we do this again?" he asked as he looked at the floor. I rubbed his hair playfully and nodded. "I would like that." I said softly, "Make sure to always be good and don't make daddy angry."
He nodded.
My heart tugged again as I stood up and walked to collect my things. It was a first step for me to be here with my son. However, I never imagined that I'd leave him so fast. I know I should be grateful for having this time with him, but I was being greedy and I wanted more. I picked up my bag and other stuff that I brought with me just as Keigo sat up. "I can't believe you've been sleeping all this time." I muttered unconsciously.
He rubbed his eye without due consideration and stood up. "I told you I was weary."
"Just make sure that weariness does not kill ." I answered as I pulled my handbag onto my shoulders.
"Che…" he muttered as he put on a shirt, "And I really thought you were worried about me." He said sarcastically as he buttoned his shirt. "My nerve-racking days over you is done." I answered flippantly as I left him there.
~~~
Later
Idiot?
Smart?
What am I?
I stood in front of my mirror and frowned. I had tried not one, two, or three different outfits, but sixteen. So this brings me to my question again, am I an idiot or something else? Why am I fretting so much over an outfit? He said it wasn't a date, I told myself repeatedly as I studied my reflection in the mirror. I had tried on a pair of pants and a sleek top, but it looked too casual and I didn’t want him to think of me as informal. I put on a nice elegant dress, but it was too revealing and I didn't want him to think of me as I was hinting something. Finally after throwing out tops, pants, and dresses; I finally settled for a printed knee length skirt and a plain top to go with it. I felt it made me look different, but I just didn’t have the time to change anymore.
I quickly picked up my bag, shoes, and earrings and rushed to the door. I had refused it when he offered to pick me up because I was still hesitant about him knowing where I lived. I got into my car and drove to the address he had given me, to my surprise I found myself driving a bit out of the city and finally I ended up at a secluded restaurant by a lakeside. "Where is this place?" I whispered as I got out of the car.
"A quiet and serene place that I go to so no one can harass me."
I turned and saw Fuji Syuusuke dressed in a formal shirt with a tie and formal pants. I noticed that as he walked towards me that he had foregone his suit jacket. "Do you like it?" he asked as he took my arm gently and led me towards the restaurant. "I know the owners and not a lot of people come here, which makes it perfect for us to be alone."
To be alone? What is he exactly thinking of? I stopped a bit as he was leading me. He noticed my hesitance and smiled, " ," he said softly, "You owe me your trust." He pointed out, "I told you that I am a man of my words and I'm not a pervert."
I bit my lip, but nodded as we went inside. The restaurant was breathtaking as we entered. Cozy warm seats, beautiful dim lights, and the aroma of delicious appetizers filled my nose. I noticed that light music was playing and I realized it was a violinist as he played his tune uncaringly so the viewers can admire him in silence. Fuji led me to a table on the side and helped me sit down. He took a seat opposite me and smiled, "How about I make one thing clear before we start so we can be comfortable."
I blinked in confusion when I heard him say that.
"I already have a special someone, .'" He proclaimed, "I meant it when I said I wanted to have dinner with you for companionship. I found you very interesting to talk to, for you don't hesitate when you want to say something."
I felt a huge burden lift off my shoulders. However, I was still uncomfortable. If he had a special someone, won't that person object to him being here with me? I had to ask. I just had to ask. "Fuji-san, won't your girlfriend object to you having dinner with me here? I mean if I were her, I would object if you brought a woman to such a beautiful place."
"Don't worry." He assured as he looked at the menu, "He's not the type to care for what I do with my time and we have complete trust in each other."(1)
"Oh, ok…" I muttered looking at my menu. Oh, wait a minute. Did he just say…."He?" I asked sensitively looking at him as I dropped the menu. "Oh…" I whispered quietly, then when it finally hit me, "OH!" I exclaimed covering my mouth.
He put his menu down and leaned his elbow on the table as he held his hands. "I imagine we can be at ease now."
I glared at him in annoyance. "You could've told me from the beginning you know." I said as I drummed my finger on the table, "You were playing with me all this time." I accused as I crossed my arms. I didn’t know whether to be annoyed or overjoyed. He actually had the tenancy to laugh in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, but it's not really something I'd say straight up to a person I just met." He apologized with a chuckle.
"No, but that doesn't make me forgive you for flirting with me."
"I wasn't flirting."
I shrugged, "Call it whatever you want." I said as I picked up my menu, "You led me on." I remarked in aggravation as I scanned the menu. I peeked at him and found him looking at me innocently. "You're not planning on apologizing, are you?'
"No, because I know that I haven’t done anything erroneous."
My eyebrow twitched at his statement. Why was I acting like this? Was I trying to relief my anger because I found out he was into men and not interested? Or was it because I was actually thinking of him? I looked up at him and found him smiling casually as he studied his menu. "Fuji-san?"
"Yes, -san?"
"I'm annoyed."
He chuckled again and nodded. "I know." He said standing up, "Want to walk for a bit and clear our heads? We can come back and eat later." He offered as he held his hand out to me. I took it and walked out with him. The night chilly air blew around me and I found myself leaning closer to him. I was more comfortable around him now. The fact that he did not like women in that sense actually reassured me. "I'm sorry." I found myself saying, "I ruined the evening."
"Evening hasn’t ended yet." He said as we walked towards the lake. "I am partially to blame as well, for I had not been fully open with you."
"It's alright." I said softly, accepting his apology. "What do you wish to gain by dining with me?"
"A friend."
I smiled at that response, "Well, Fuji Syuusuke, you got that in me."
Surprisingly, we got along flawlessly fine after that. He talked a lot about many things, including his 'special someone'. I found myself opening up to him as well, but I refrained from discussing Keigo. I simply didn’t want to talk about my ex-husband or son at this stage. Finally, the night was over. He walked me to my car and gave me a smile, "I enjoyed."
I nodded at his statement, "I will admit that I did too." I added as well as he helped in my car. He leaned down as he placed his hand on the hood of my car, "Let's do this again, -san."
"Call me , Fuji-san." I said without thinking.
He nodded and told me to do the same thing. I finally bid him goodnight and drove away. I was actually relaxed and was feeling good about myself. My day had been exciting and my night had been eventful. I drove aimlessly enjoying the night air in my convertible when my cell phone rang. I frowned at the time, for it was late. I picked it up when I realized that it was Yuushi, "Hello?"
"…" his voice sounded sympathetically.
My heart pounded. Something was wrong. Something was not right. Something had happened. And as if my fears were denying the truth. He confirmed the tragic news to me as I stopped the car.
What was I going to do now?
~~~
DeVeliCious
Edited by Kashii
Thank you T-Zone for pointing out the things that Kashii and I have missed XD
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Note:
(1) I only ask for forgiveness for not making Fuji attracted to women in this series. babysyusuke's love for Fuji/Tezuka relationship made me add that element into it. I'm not really for the relationship, but I think I'm spending a lot of time with her and it's starting to grow on me now~ XD I love you, girl! *HUGS*