http://clampfix.fanworks.net/x-fix/setsubo6.txt </head><body><pre>Yup Yup, back once more. I can say with some impartiality that significant stuff actually happens this time around. Well okay, I’m just really happy that I could bring Keiichi back into the picture again (I just love that guy!) ^.^ hmmm, a week between writing fics… it must be life catching up with me again. -Lapin Disclaimer: What disclaimer! I’m above all this “law suits”, “copy right infringements”, “restraining order”, “ taking-prescribed-anti-psychotic medication” crap. ------------------------- Despite his valiant attempt at discretion, Kamui’s stealth was for naught when he stepped on a wayward leaf and it crackled under foot. Subaru’s serene expression was instantly replaced with surprise, as he glanced over his shoulder and witnessed Kamui creeping up behind him. Sheepishly, the younger Seal began to grin and look about as though it had been some delightful coincidence that Subaru had turned around and caught sight of him. The surprise that lingered in the Sumeragi’s beautiful, remaining eye, melted quickly to be replaced by a more serious expression. Kamui wondered at the extent of the anger that still clung to Subaru’s heart from that morning’s quarrel. “S-sorry to disturb you, Subaru-san. I’ll go…” Kamui trailed off as he noticed Subaru make a slight gesture to the available space to his left. Swallowing, Kamui hesitated a moment longer before accepting that small invitation. He sat down cautiously, taking pains not to sit to close. He pulled out his bento-box and glanced at the delicious goodies Akira-san had thoughtfully stocked his meal with. Trying not to be conspicuous as he fingered his chop sticks and simultaneously spied on Subaru in his peripheral, the young man thought of what he could say. But the moment he did so, Kamui knew he’d made a mistake. Because now everything that was caught in his heart threatened to tumble out. Before he could stop himself he sputtered “Subaru-san! I’msosorryit’sallmyfaultand-” The Sumeragi held up a graceful finger to Kamui’s lips, quieting him. He gently touched the other Seal’s frail shoulders. “I know you are sorry. I am as well, provoking you as I did this morning… I’m not sure what type of a response I was looking to get. I think perhaps I was looking to pick a fight with you.” Kamui was trying hard not to focus on the gentle pressure of the hand on his shoulder, and the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. His throat felt a little tight and his amethyst eyes were burning. “Subaru-san, please don’t think that. You’re not that malicious. I… I realized today that I have been rather selfish, and confrontational, especially considering that you’re only trying to help me. All of the people I’ve spoken with today, all of my /friends/, have helped me realize that I’m still cared regardless of anything.” He took a breath, and tried to sidle a little closer to Subaru’s warmth without being conspicuous. “I’ve been thinking, that I really do care for everyone too. A lot. I don’t want to hurt anybody I care for, especially you. I’ve really struggled with this decision, something deep inside my heart tells me that what I’m wishing for is right, that I shouldn’t break my promise… but when I see how much it’s hurting my friends, how many problems its causing for me… between /us/… I’m really torn Subaru-san.” “I /was/ your age once, Kamui-san. I know that when you’re young and passionate about something, you are not easily dissuaded. I know I cannot convince you to let go of something that is in your heart, I can only ask you to.” Kamui noted their proximity was substantially closer than when he had first sat on the bench. He noticed the almost unconscious way Subaru leaned towards him when he spoke, and he wondered if it was simply a result of the Sumeragi’s compassion for another’s pain, or because he wanted to be close. “I’m surprised you aren’t eating with your friend… Segawa was it?” “Oh, Segawa-kun had another engagement today… I guess. Actually he didn’t really give me a reason, he just ran off.” “That doesn’t sound like his normal behavior. He’s usually so…. eager… to be with you.” “No, he’s been acting strange today… wait, no, not /just/ today…” Now that Kamui thought of it, little changes to Keiichi’s behavior strike him as odd. “It was ever since the most recent kekkai was broken, and that earthquake rocked Tokyo. He acted the same, except he always looked a little sad… I guess I didn’t really notice yesterday because he and I actually-” The teenager stopped short as an embarrassed flush creeped up behind his collar. He tried to cover it with laughter, which came out more like nervous squeaks. “Well, ahh, it was so hectic yesterday I guess I was oblivious!” He jabbed at his lunch and shoved it into his mouth, his eyes wide with embarrassment. Subaru only smiled slightly and touched Kamui’s shoulder. The control Kamui was gaining on his blush was promptly lost at that soft touch. He stared and Subaru with the chop sticks still between his lips. “Perhaps you should ask Segawa what has been making him unhappy?” “Y-You’re right. I should find him. I mean it’s really disconcerting to imagine someone like /that/ is feeling down…” As Kamui trotted off, he couldn’t help looking over his shoulder. He met Subaru’s eyes and smiled. It was then that something really began to occur to him as being true. He could never hurt someone he loved. Then… then was it true? Perhaps he was wrong about the promise he made to Fuuma… perhaps he truly should abandon his wish. Seishirou was getting bored of sea. And it was... lonely being here. Yes, there was a profound sense of isolation, of being singularly alone and detached from everyone and everything. The Sakurazukamori realized it was only here he was able to be truly conscious of that feeling of desolate confinement. He turned to Kakyou. “Do you honestly believe that we will fail on the Promised Day?” “I’ve told you what I believe.” “Such little faith! How can you doubt our ability when you have seen the future yourself? You know how this will end.” “Yes, I have seen the future. I have seen the Kamui of the Dragons of Earth slay the Kamui of the Dragons of Heaven, and bring upon the destruction of mankind. That is why I chose to follow him.” “But after all that, you still feel like you need to manipulate their Kamui into abandoning his wish?” Kakyou’s brow creased and he pulled his knees up to his chest. An ocean breeze stirred his hair. Seishirou was feeling a little annoyed. “You are most contradictory, Dreamseer. You already know the outcome is in your favor and yet you still must ensure that certain, /unnecessary/ things are doted upon!” He crossed his arms about his broad chest. “Then again perhaps you are not so sure? You seem to be giving that ‘the future is not yet decided’ nonsense too much merit. You are the greatest Dreamseer in the world, why should you doubt your own visions?” Seishirou was beginning to feel wary of Kakyou’s lack of confidence towards his divination. “What does it matter, Sakurazukamori, just let me content myself. It seems as though my plan is working, besides.” “How so?” “Actually, I have your companion to thank for that. All of the Kamui’s closest friends have been expressing their discontent with his wish, but the Sumeragi has been the most effective at it. At this rate, your prey will afford me the trouble of manipulating our Kamui further.” A gull wheeled towards the void in the sky. “ What need is there to have “Fuuma” reappear, when the Sumeragi can do the convincing for me?” “You set up a trap for him.” “Of course, he, and the rest of the seals have fallen into it. I have made an illusion, as to how much “pain” will be caused if the boy “Fuuma” were to return. In truth I have no idea whether or not it will be so horrible, but I cannot afford to find out, lest my own needs be compromised. They are easily fooled.” “Subaru-kun has always been easily fooled. He feels too much; it has always been his undoing. His love blinds him to the truth… it is one thing I’ve always known about him.” There was a silence. The echo of the ocean seemed to disappear. “You may do as you wish with the other Seals, they are of no concern of mine. However, you cannot trap my prey.” “It seems I already have. He and everyone else are playing out my construct perfectly.” “You cannot trap what has already been caught.” Kakyou looked up startled. “Keep that in mind, if you insist on meddling into his life further.” A dark power began to surge and swell around him, and the dreamscape tore as he leapt out. Kakyou felt a little shaken. He would see his wish into actualization; the Sakurazukamori couldn’t stop him. If he intended to intercede on the Sumeragi’s behalf, Kakyou would simply use “Fuuma” again. He had to, he had to make /sure/. The future that he saw was the end of mankind… but there was a chance what the girl had told him was true. The other Angels stared at Seishirou curiously as he reemerged out of his trance. The Dark Kamui had a cold, inhuman smile on his face. “Find out anything interesting Sakurazukamori?” Seishirou thought about that for a moment before he replied. “Perhaps. But there is a little issue I need to take care of now, if you’ll excuse me...” Subaru absently rubbed the inverted stars on the back of his hands. He watched the wind pick up a fallen leaf and blow it across the ground. On the other end of the Clamp Campus, Kamui was trying to locate Keiichi. He tried some of the places he knew how to navigate to (the campus was so big!), but there was no happy blond to greet him. Finally he ran into a classmate whose name he could recall, and inquired about the class president’s whereabouts. Oddly, Kamui discovered he had been spotted in the dorms. Trying desperately not to become lost among the columned halls, Kamui made his way, peeping behind every corner, trying to discover his elusive friend. At some point a certain irony occurred to him, causing a mischievous grin to light up his face. Now it was /he/ doing the pursuing with fervent ardor. Finally, he had to give up. His lunch break was almost finished and he had only a vague idea as to where he was. As Kamui retreated he turned a corner and bumped into a very familiar body. “What are you doing here Shiro-kun?” “Getting lost?” Kamui accepted Keiichi’s outstretched hand as he was hoisted up from the ground. “What are you doing her Segawa-kun?” Kamui asked as they continued to walk. “I had some business to sort out… I stay here now.” “What!” Kamui stopped in his tracks and grabbed Keiichi’s shirt as the taller boy walked past him. “What do you mean you’re staying here?! What about your house?” Keiichi smiled softly. “It was lost in the earthquake.” “The… oh, the earthquake. I’m sorry Segawa-kun. But I’m so glad you came out of it unharmed. How come you didn’t tell me sooner! And your mother, how is she?” Keiichi did not attempt to smile this time. “She did not fare as well as I did. I lost her too.” Kamui was thunderstruck. How could Keiichi have carried on like that without showing some emotion for the horrible things that happened… or perhaps he had. Perhaps Kamui had been a little to absorbed in himself to notice. The way the light caught in Kamui’s eyes made them glitter. Keiichi smiled a little and touched Kamui’s cheek. “Your eyes are so pretty Shiro-kun.” Kamui reached up and held Keiichi’s hand there. “You know my mother always said she liked you… she was an excellent judge of character.” “I don’t know what to say Segawa-kun, I’m so sorry for your loss.” “Don’t be sad. Neither my mother nor my father would have wanted anyone to be sad for them. I’ll try and smile, to smile as much as I can… on their behalf.” “You’re very brave, Segawa-kun, my attitude towards great losses have been less then courageous.” Kamui turned his face into Keiichi’s hand, and pressed his lips to it softly. “Please tell me if you ever have any trouble… because I am your friend.” Keiichi smiled, a little blush on his face. Kamui knew then; he knew he had to protect the people he had come to love. He had to protect the bravery and affection and beauty and kindness of those he cared for… this was why he must learn to create a kekkai. This was why he must learn to let go of Fuuma. Kamui’s stomach lurched at the thought of abandoning his promise… but, maybe this was the only way? Keiichi looked at Kamui curiously, nothing how the dark-haired boy has suddenly grown silent. “Shiro-kun, do you remember what you did yesterday?” Kamui came out of his reverie and blushed. “Yeah… I wanted to apologize to you for that-” “No, I was wondering, if I could…” Keiichi’s hand was already in a convenient position, so he tilted Kamui’s chin up slightly and caught his lips in a kiss. The Seal felt that incredible rush of excitement in his stomach, even with such a gentle action. He wondered if kissing was supposed to be thrilling, or if it was the novelty of doing it with another boy. It ended too quickly. Kamui felt breathless. Only one kiss? Keiichi grabbed his hand and started running as he pulled him along. “Now we’re in for it! Damn we’re so late!!” Kamui ran to keep up, feeling content at the substantial normalcy of it all. But deep within his heart, there was a horrible ache that followed the disregard of his wish, that demanded it was /wrong/ to go back on his promise. He wondered if he could do it. ! Hey, tell me what you thought, or don’t, at hibari7@hotmail.com</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>