The Burden of Memory
After a gargantuan effort on his part, Nino, sleep deprived and barely recovered from an exhausting out-of-body journey, finally managed to drag an unconscious Yuki out of the Dimensional Sanctuary. Much to his relief, the door needed no special spells or incantations to let them out; if his suspicions were correct, Yuki's earlier chanting had more to do with keeping people out rather than trapping them inside. Looking back at how Yuki acted back in the altar room, Nino came to realize that Yuki knew this was going to happen and purposely made sure that there would be a way out.
After pausing to catch his breath, Nino was able to haul Yuki all the way to the lobby, calling out for help as Pierre and Marguerite rushed to his aid and helped him drape Yuki's limp form on the sofa.
"What happened?" Pierre asked.
"Is the mistress all right?" Marguerite overlapped.
"She's passed out; she also seems to have a high fever." Nino replied, beads of sweat running down his neck while he caught his breath. Nino's hands grabbed the knapsack lying on the coffee table and he started rummaging for some over the counter medicines to administer.
Pierre and Marguerite both turned to look at Yuki and exchanged worried, but knowing looks with one another.
"Has this happened before?" Nino asked; his brows furrowed. The servants of Yuki's boutique seemed to be another mystery altogether, but that would have to wait until something could be done about Yuki's fever. Sho would not be around until Monday and there were no guarantees that they'd be able to restore his memories, or if he still had any of his abilities left.
"Yes, it has..." Pierre replied after a long and awkward pause.
"What happened, and how did she recover?"
"Well... your sister, she tried bringing the dolls to life on her own," Marguerite interjected, " the first time that it happened, she was experimenting with Necromancy, and ended up creating me instead..."
"What?! How.... Wait..." Nino inhaled deeply, overwhelmed with the new information, and clearly not armed to process it.
Will this ever, ever end? Nino wanted to throw a tantrum.
"So," Nino began once more, pinching the bridge of his nose, releasing the breath he's held. "How did Yuki recover? Was there anything she took? Any potion, anything?"
"I watched over her for three days, she was asleep most of the time."
"Did she ask you to give her any medicine?"
"I just stood by her side until she awakened." Marguerite replied simply. "I did not know what to do back then."
"I see..." Nino slumped down the armchair adjacent to the sofa, placed his elbows on his knees and rubbed his temples while he thought of a suitable solution that might speed up the healing. "Marguerite," he said, "Can you get us an ice pack to place over her forehead? She's burning up, maybe that would help lower her temperature."
"Of course." Marguerite marched off to the kitchen.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Pierre inquired.
"No, not really. I'd like to ask though, has Yuki ever tried any sort of medicine?"
Pierre scratched his head and thought for a while, "I don't really know about medicine; this is the first time I've heard of it... She seems to be fond of the drink called 'margarita' though, should I get her some?"
"Aah, no, no. That's okay. I would like some water though, if you don't mind, and maybe a cup of coffee for me."
"Certainly." Pierre replied, following Marguerite to the kitchen.
Nino reclined in the armchair, rubbing his bleary, bloodshot eyes and stifling a yawn while he waited for Marguerite to arrive with the ice pack. The digital watch strapped on his wrist told him that it was already 1:30 in the afternoon, and that they had spent nearly four hours unlocking his sealed memories inside the sanctuary (even though it seemed like years to him.) Though much of his questions have been answered, plenty of things have happened in his absence and he didn't know how it would affect the final outcome, or if it even mattered at all. All he knew was that he needed to get in touch with Sho and that they needed to figure out a way to 'unfreeze' the dolls, knowing that the original ingredients for the antidote might not even exist in this dimension...
"I have the ice pack. What should I do now?"
"Here's the water you requested, and a cup of brewed coffee for you."
"Thank you, Pierre, Marguerite. I think I'll handle things from here."
Nino placed the glass of water on the table and took the pack from Marguerite. Nino then knelt in front of Yuki, placing the cold bag on her forehead. Yuki shuddered; hissing through her teeth, once the pack made contact with her burning skin. After a few moments, Yuki's brows furrowed and her lips twitched slightly while a pair of heavy eyes struggled to open themselves.
"C-cold..."
"Yuki..."
"P-put that s-stupid thing away..." Yuki stuttered, and managed a weak glare at Nino's direction as she tried swatting his hands away from her forehead.
"And you call me stubborn," Nino grinned, breathing a sigh of relief. Yuki though not completely healed, was at least conscious, "You have a fever, and Sho's not here to cure you. I have some fever medication with me; I thought they'd help a little, along with the ice pack."
"What?"
"Would taking medication affect your magic in any way? I've tried them before and they helped. Then again I don't really think I have magic now, at least not in this world. Anyway, it's worth a try, unless you want to be miserable for three days..."
"You're not stuffing some slimy potion down my throat." Yuki replied, not fully comprehending what Nino just said.
"No need for potions, this one's a pill and you drink it with water. You have to sit up a little to swallow it though."
"Can I drink it with vodka instead?" Yuki grinned.
"No, are you insane?! And where the hell did you get vodka anyway?"
"Oh, you learn a lot of things on the internet, and the woman whose mind I borrowed had a lot of really interesting experiences." Yuki managed a weak smile, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Only junkies drink their meds with alcohol. There's a glass of water over there, drink that instead."
"Okay, party pooper. You're sounding a lot like Sho..." Yuki replied, struggling to push herself up to a sitting position with Nino's assistance. Once she was sitting up properly, Nino handed her a little red pill, and the glass of water.
"I know about pills and medicines and those scary needle things... injections... “Yuki reflected, looking at the small, red object in her palm, "this is the first time I've actually had to take one."
"Everyone has had to take one or more of them at some point in their lives. It's like the potions and herbs that mom used to give us when we were sick..."
"Even those needle things?"
"Yup"
"Was it painful?"
"It was like being bitten by an ant, although when I was younger it seemed a lot more painful than that..."
Yuki shuddered. "Anyway, I just swallow this with water, right?"
"Yes"
"Interesting..." Yuki held the tiny pill up to the light, rolling the capsule between her fingers before popping it into her mouth and pushing it down with the glass of water.
"It should take effect in a few minutes."
"Then I'll be okay?"
"I hope so..."
"Pills are much better than potions...none of that slimy stuff that leaves a bitter aftertaste on your tongue..." she smiled.
”So, what do you plan to do now?" Yuki carefully placed the glass of water back on the coffee table and leaned back on the sofa's soft foam. Staying upright still took some effort, and her pallid complexion was an indication of how well she was doing.
"Well, I have to get Sho here first... and I have to make him remember somehow" Nino yawned, stretching his arms. "I remember the antidote quite well, but I'm not sure I could find the ingredients here... if the pill works on you we might have some hope."
"What do you mean by that?"
"If the medicine in this world works on you, then we'll just have to find the equivalent of the antidote's ingredients here. Sho should help me figure things out... I can't do it alone because the antidote requires our blood for it to work; at least we already have that ingredient here."
"I see..." Yuki nodded, her eyes distant and contemplative, "Nino, I may not have enough energy to tap into Sho's memories. I'm not even sure I'd be well enough to face him on Monday. If your brilliant mind could come up with any plan at all to bring them back, I'd sure like to hear it."
"Not just yet, but I'll come up with something." Nino sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Looks like your fever's beginning to break, at least you're sweating now." Nino smiled. "I'll go check on Ohno and the others."
"Aren't you tired?" Yuki asked "You look like hell, maybe you should sleep first."
"I've had less sleep during my exams." Nino reassured his sister as he got up and walked towards the window display. "Don't worry about me."
I'm worried about you for an entirely different reason, idiot. Yuki thought helplessly as she watched her brother walk away. You really are stubborn sometimes...
*****
Nino had always confronted a challenge head on, but it had never been out of an eagerness to prove himself. Truth be told, he was quite lazy in his own way and would much rather avoid unnecessary confrontations if he could. Nino was complicated, but he didn't enjoy complications. Most of the time he treated a challenge as something to be done and over with so he could get on with his life... unless it was a video game that had some really cool prize as a reward.
He didn't quite know what he was getting himself into the moment he got up from his seat, but he did have an inkling of what he was about to face. His groggy mind slowly woke up from one realization to the next as he walked towards the three they had left behind...
What were we thinking back then...?
Each step he took closer to the three filled him with a sense of dread. His nervousness reached its peak as he finally reached the display window, facing the backs of Jun, Ohno, and Aiba, who were currently posed in their casual wear, and made to look as though they were enjoying an afternoon in the sun while their dull eyes looked out from the frame of their small window.
I could have chosen to do nothing at all and spared them this...
Nino stood frozen in his place, shivering and unable to move any further. With his skin pale and his eyes brimming with tears, Nino brought his hands to his face, and started sobbing uncontrollably.
Nino... we can't see you, but we know that you're there. Jun's kind voice broke the awkward silence that surrounded them.
Are you all right? Why are you crying? Ohno piped up, concerned.
Did something bad happen? Are you okay? Aiba asked.
"I'm sorry." Nino whispered, sinking to his knees and burying his face in both hands while he cried. "I'm sorry that I left you like this.... If I had known..."
You didn't do it to hurt us... Ohno spoke
Nobody's mad at you. Please, don't cry, Nino. Aiba reassured him
We know that you did it because you thought it was for the best. Nobody's blaming you, or Sho.
Nino wept in silence, his shoulders hunched as his small frame shook with each sob.
...Get us down from here. I'd feel a lot better if I could see you. Ohno spoke.
I'm glad that you finally remember us. Now at least we could figure something out. Jun offered in consolation.
Give me a hug, Nino. It's been a long time since anyone's hugged me and I miss you and Sho so horribly. Aiba's voice cracked.
Nino slowly got up from his knees and approached the dolls, stepping up on the display window and wrapping frail arms around Jun's waist. His tears flowed freely and dripped down from his chin and onto Jun's gray shirt. He fixed Jun up to a standing position and carried him all the way to the lobby. Yuki sat up once more and watched Nino with a thoughtful look, noticing how red and puffy Nino's eyes were as he carefully placed Jun on the armchair.
"There's room for two more here." Yuki scooted to the left, her hands motioning for Nino to place Jun next to her. Nino nodded, his eyes cast down as he moved Jun from the armchair and sat him next to Yuki.
"Don't do that!" Yuki exclaimed all of a sudden.
"Do what?" Nino dully asked, his tear stricken eyes meeting Yuki's.
"Don't cry!" Yuki sniffled. "You're making me cry too!" Yuki pulled Nino in for a tight embrace, and wrapped her other arm around Jun. "We're going to get through this, okay?"
Yuki, Nino... Jun, trapped in his frozen body had also wanted to cry. Nino heard the pain in Jun's voice and it greatly added to the guilt that he felt.
"Well," Nino sat in front of Jun, looking into the brown eyes that seemed to stare right through him. "I'm sorry, Jun, but Yuki knows your secret now... When she went into my mind to unlock my memories, she found that conversation I had with you that day..."
She... Oh. Had Jun been able to move, all his blood would have rushed to his cheeks. Yuki released Nino and wrapped both arms around Jun instead....Yuki feels a little warm, is she okay?
"Yuki used up a lot of her energy when she dove into my mind, Sho used to take care of her when she got like this..."
"No fair leaving me out in the conversation like this." Yuki whined, leaning her head on Jun's shoulders. "What's he saying?"
Don't say anything
"Jun likes it that you're hugging him." Nino smiled affectionately at the two, wiping away his tears; a small ray of hope lighting up his heart. "I'll be getting the others to join us." Nino said, heading back to the display window, covering it with a big black cloth and telling Pierre that the boutique would be closed for the day.
"Well, Aiba, here we go..." Nino straightened Aiba up and turned him around so that he could give his tall, giggly friend a tight embrace.
Could you make it so that I'm hugging you too? Aiba requested. I may not be able to move, but I can still feel how warm you are.
"Aiba..." Nino started tearing up again. You guys are too kind... Nino placed Aiba's arms around him as he requested. "Sho's going to be back on Monday. I promise to make him remember you."
I never doubted you, Nino.
"Thank you, Aiba"
Nino carried Aiba all the way to the lobby and placed him next to Jun who sat next to Yuki,( arms wrapped around Jun, head resting lazily on his shoulders.)
Ooooh. Are you sure I'm not interrupting anything? Aiba giggled.
Shut up.
"Oh come on, you know that you like it." Nino grinned at Jun.
...
"I don't know what they're saying, but I think I know what you guys are talking about." Yuki yawned, sleepily mumbling into Jun's sleeve. "Stop picking on Jun... Is the pill supposed to make me sleepy?"
"Oh, yes. I guess that's also just your body's natural reaction. You'll need to rest soon."
"You too. Now go get your Ohno before I fall asleep on Jun and drool all over him."
"Of course."
Nino walked back to the display window where Ohno sat all alone, his were eyes staring blankly at the black cloth draped over the window that blocked the sun's rays from coming through.
"Ohno..." Nino whispered as he pulled Ohno up from the chair and straightened his legs, his slim arms pulling Ohno tightly towards his body.
You missed me? Ohno's soft voice broke through Nino's thoughts. Turn me around so I can see your face.
Nino turned Ohno around to face him, his red, puffy eyes meeting Ohno's steady gaze as he did.
I missed you so much. Ohno's voice finally broke.
"I'm sorry. Will you ever, ever forgive me for making you wait so long?" Nino whispered, tears threatening to spill from his eyes once more as he slipped an arm around Ohno's waist and placed one hand on his shoulder. Nino leaned towards Ohno, their foreheads touching, and their lips mere centimeters apart from each other.
You don't know how happy I was when I first saw you walk through those doors... Ohno's voice came out in a whisper in Nino's head.
"I'm here now." Nino replied, "and I'm not going anywhere until I have this all fixed." Nino placed warm, soft lips on Ohno's cold ones, lingering for a moment or two before he pulled away and tenderly carried Ohno to where the rest were seated.
I'd rather you never left...
Oh! the lovebirds are here! Aiba exclaimed.
"You sure took your time." Yuki grinned, "you sure you didn't molest him back there?"
"Shut up, you're supposed to be sick!" Nino retorted, blushing, as he sat on the armchair and sat Ohno down his lap.
Jun's been very quiet, and I was afraid you'd take a long time. I was feeling very lonely here! Aiba chirped once more.
Shut up, idiot.
"Heey, you're all having your secret conversations again. I'm feeling really left out here." Yuki shot Nino a glare. "Man, this is so complicated... so I'm not even going to pretend I could catch up with everything that's happening, and I'm pretty sure you're tired too... So, what's the plan? Are you going to bring Ohno home with you?"
"Not really. My place is a mess and I don't really think he'll fit in there. I guess I'll have to leave you here till you get to move, Ohno."
No problem, just come here everyday, okay?
"Of course."
Yuki rolled her eyes "I've honestly never seen you so sappy before... So um, I think they can hear me, right?"
"Pretty much"
Yuki turned to look at the dolls one by one, taking Jun's hand in hers as she spoke.
"Jun, Aiba, Ohno... I don't really know where to begin, but I'm terribly, terribly sorry if I've done something to hurt you. You're probably bored staring out of the window all day, and I don't really know what you want to watch on television, but now that Nino's here, maybe he can tell me what you want..."
Weelll, I want to know what chocolate tastes like, but I can't eat yet
Me too, I kind of want to eat ... I also want to take pictures and study photography but I can't do that yet...
Um... I'm happy watching people from that little window, they're interesting and I want to draw them, but maybe that will have to wait until I can move, right Nino?
Nino nodded in understanding and turned to face Yuki. "Basically, Aiba wants to eat chocolate, Jun wants to eat and take pictures and Ohno wants to draw... "
"Er. Would you rather watch television, or would you rather watch the people outside the window?" Yuki yawned and scratched her head, fighting off the drowsiness that came with the medicine.
"Ohno doesn't mind watching people from his window, and from what I can remember, Aiba likes watching cartoons, while Jun likes watching documentaries. Ohno seems to like shows about underwater life..."
We don't really mind watching people said Jun. We don't want to be an inconvenience to you and we've become used to it by now, we wouldn't mind waiting a bit longer. I would like a camera though when I can move...
We'll wait Nino, don't worry. Go get Sho, I miss him very much.
I guess we can just take turns watching TV at night, eh?
"Thank you. I don't know how many times I can thank you for being so patient" Nino held Ohno closer to him and rested his head on his back "I promise to buy you a camera when I earn enough money, and Aiba, you can have all the chocolate you want..."
"I'll take care of that part, and you don't really have to work anymore. Just promise to drop by everyday..."
*****
Nino left the boutique at around 5:30 in the afternoon, mentally and emotionally exhausted, but eternally grateful for the return of his memories. The air was mild and balmy and the sky was awash in the warm red-orange glow of the sunset. Nino walked at a slow and leisurely pace towards his small apartment, viewing the city with new eyes as faces of familiar people flitted in and out of his vision. Nino wondered how many people he met and talked to everyday were also once part of his previous life. For once, he was thankful that he didn't really get out of the palace, back when he was still a prince. He wasn't quite sure he'd be able to recover that easily from all the overwhelming information he'd have to digest. As it was, he was still trying to reconcile bits of his past with his present memories, mentally shuffling through the names and faces of the people he'd interacted with everyday.
Oh! Mom's still my mom, and Eriol's my history teacher! Nino paused mid-stride at this realization,
...should I tell Yuki?
***TBC
Previous: Intersections Next: A Reunion
**Thanks for sticking around, and I'm really sorry for the long time it takes to update (I need replacements for clicky wrists! and probably more sleep, but meh..) I think I have five more chapters to go ^_^ I'm not good at multitasking and working on more than one multi-chapter story at a time, so er... if you also follow the other one, I'll be working on that next. =)
After pausing to catch his breath, Nino was able to haul Yuki all the way to the lobby, calling out for help as Pierre and Marguerite rushed to his aid and helped him drape Yuki's limp form on the sofa.
"What happened?" Pierre asked.
"Is the mistress all right?" Marguerite overlapped.
"She's passed out; she also seems to have a high fever." Nino replied, beads of sweat running down his neck while he caught his breath. Nino's hands grabbed the knapsack lying on the coffee table and he started rummaging for some over the counter medicines to administer.
Pierre and Marguerite both turned to look at Yuki and exchanged worried, but knowing looks with one another.
"Has this happened before?" Nino asked; his brows furrowed. The servants of Yuki's boutique seemed to be another mystery altogether, but that would have to wait until something could be done about Yuki's fever. Sho would not be around until Monday and there were no guarantees that they'd be able to restore his memories, or if he still had any of his abilities left.
"Yes, it has..." Pierre replied after a long and awkward pause.
"What happened, and how did she recover?"
"Well... your sister, she tried bringing the dolls to life on her own," Marguerite interjected, " the first time that it happened, she was experimenting with Necromancy, and ended up creating me instead..."
"What?! How.... Wait..." Nino inhaled deeply, overwhelmed with the new information, and clearly not armed to process it.
Will this ever, ever end? Nino wanted to throw a tantrum.
"So," Nino began once more, pinching the bridge of his nose, releasing the breath he's held. "How did Yuki recover? Was there anything she took? Any potion, anything?"
"I watched over her for three days, she was asleep most of the time."
"Did she ask you to give her any medicine?"
"I just stood by her side until she awakened." Marguerite replied simply. "I did not know what to do back then."
"I see..." Nino slumped down the armchair adjacent to the sofa, placed his elbows on his knees and rubbed his temples while he thought of a suitable solution that might speed up the healing. "Marguerite," he said, "Can you get us an ice pack to place over her forehead? She's burning up, maybe that would help lower her temperature."
"Of course." Marguerite marched off to the kitchen.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Pierre inquired.
"No, not really. I'd like to ask though, has Yuki ever tried any sort of medicine?"
Pierre scratched his head and thought for a while, "I don't really know about medicine; this is the first time I've heard of it... She seems to be fond of the drink called 'margarita' though, should I get her some?"
"Aah, no, no. That's okay. I would like some water though, if you don't mind, and maybe a cup of coffee for me."
"Certainly." Pierre replied, following Marguerite to the kitchen.
Nino reclined in the armchair, rubbing his bleary, bloodshot eyes and stifling a yawn while he waited for Marguerite to arrive with the ice pack. The digital watch strapped on his wrist told him that it was already 1:30 in the afternoon, and that they had spent nearly four hours unlocking his sealed memories inside the sanctuary (even though it seemed like years to him.) Though much of his questions have been answered, plenty of things have happened in his absence and he didn't know how it would affect the final outcome, or if it even mattered at all. All he knew was that he needed to get in touch with Sho and that they needed to figure out a way to 'unfreeze' the dolls, knowing that the original ingredients for the antidote might not even exist in this dimension...
"I have the ice pack. What should I do now?"
"Here's the water you requested, and a cup of brewed coffee for you."
"Thank you, Pierre, Marguerite. I think I'll handle things from here."
Nino placed the glass of water on the table and took the pack from Marguerite. Nino then knelt in front of Yuki, placing the cold bag on her forehead. Yuki shuddered; hissing through her teeth, once the pack made contact with her burning skin. After a few moments, Yuki's brows furrowed and her lips twitched slightly while a pair of heavy eyes struggled to open themselves.
"C-cold..."
"Yuki..."
"P-put that s-stupid thing away..." Yuki stuttered, and managed a weak glare at Nino's direction as she tried swatting his hands away from her forehead.
"And you call me stubborn," Nino grinned, breathing a sigh of relief. Yuki though not completely healed, was at least conscious, "You have a fever, and Sho's not here to cure you. I have some fever medication with me; I thought they'd help a little, along with the ice pack."
"What?"
"Would taking medication affect your magic in any way? I've tried them before and they helped. Then again I don't really think I have magic now, at least not in this world. Anyway, it's worth a try, unless you want to be miserable for three days..."
"You're not stuffing some slimy potion down my throat." Yuki replied, not fully comprehending what Nino just said.
"No need for potions, this one's a pill and you drink it with water. You have to sit up a little to swallow it though."
"Can I drink it with vodka instead?" Yuki grinned.
"No, are you insane?! And where the hell did you get vodka anyway?"
"Oh, you learn a lot of things on the internet, and the woman whose mind I borrowed had a lot of really interesting experiences." Yuki managed a weak smile, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Only junkies drink their meds with alcohol. There's a glass of water over there, drink that instead."
"Okay, party pooper. You're sounding a lot like Sho..." Yuki replied, struggling to push herself up to a sitting position with Nino's assistance. Once she was sitting up properly, Nino handed her a little red pill, and the glass of water.
"I know about pills and medicines and those scary needle things... injections... “Yuki reflected, looking at the small, red object in her palm, "this is the first time I've actually had to take one."
"Everyone has had to take one or more of them at some point in their lives. It's like the potions and herbs that mom used to give us when we were sick..."
"Even those needle things?"
"Yup"
"Was it painful?"
"It was like being bitten by an ant, although when I was younger it seemed a lot more painful than that..."
Yuki shuddered. "Anyway, I just swallow this with water, right?"
"Yes"
"Interesting..." Yuki held the tiny pill up to the light, rolling the capsule between her fingers before popping it into her mouth and pushing it down with the glass of water.
"It should take effect in a few minutes."
"Then I'll be okay?"
"I hope so..."
"Pills are much better than potions...none of that slimy stuff that leaves a bitter aftertaste on your tongue..." she smiled.
”So, what do you plan to do now?" Yuki carefully placed the glass of water back on the coffee table and leaned back on the sofa's soft foam. Staying upright still took some effort, and her pallid complexion was an indication of how well she was doing.
"Well, I have to get Sho here first... and I have to make him remember somehow" Nino yawned, stretching his arms. "I remember the antidote quite well, but I'm not sure I could find the ingredients here... if the pill works on you we might have some hope."
"What do you mean by that?"
"If the medicine in this world works on you, then we'll just have to find the equivalent of the antidote's ingredients here. Sho should help me figure things out... I can't do it alone because the antidote requires our blood for it to work; at least we already have that ingredient here."
"I see..." Yuki nodded, her eyes distant and contemplative, "Nino, I may not have enough energy to tap into Sho's memories. I'm not even sure I'd be well enough to face him on Monday. If your brilliant mind could come up with any plan at all to bring them back, I'd sure like to hear it."
"Not just yet, but I'll come up with something." Nino sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Looks like your fever's beginning to break, at least you're sweating now." Nino smiled. "I'll go check on Ohno and the others."
"Aren't you tired?" Yuki asked "You look like hell, maybe you should sleep first."
"I've had less sleep during my exams." Nino reassured his sister as he got up and walked towards the window display. "Don't worry about me."
I'm worried about you for an entirely different reason, idiot. Yuki thought helplessly as she watched her brother walk away. You really are stubborn sometimes...
*****
Nino had always confronted a challenge head on, but it had never been out of an eagerness to prove himself. Truth be told, he was quite lazy in his own way and would much rather avoid unnecessary confrontations if he could. Nino was complicated, but he didn't enjoy complications. Most of the time he treated a challenge as something to be done and over with so he could get on with his life... unless it was a video game that had some really cool prize as a reward.
He didn't quite know what he was getting himself into the moment he got up from his seat, but he did have an inkling of what he was about to face. His groggy mind slowly woke up from one realization to the next as he walked towards the three they had left behind...
What were we thinking back then...?
Each step he took closer to the three filled him with a sense of dread. His nervousness reached its peak as he finally reached the display window, facing the backs of Jun, Ohno, and Aiba, who were currently posed in their casual wear, and made to look as though they were enjoying an afternoon in the sun while their dull eyes looked out from the frame of their small window.
I could have chosen to do nothing at all and spared them this...
Nino stood frozen in his place, shivering and unable to move any further. With his skin pale and his eyes brimming with tears, Nino brought his hands to his face, and started sobbing uncontrollably.
Nino... we can't see you, but we know that you're there. Jun's kind voice broke the awkward silence that surrounded them.
Are you all right? Why are you crying? Ohno piped up, concerned.
Did something bad happen? Are you okay? Aiba asked.
"I'm sorry." Nino whispered, sinking to his knees and burying his face in both hands while he cried. "I'm sorry that I left you like this.... If I had known..."
You didn't do it to hurt us... Ohno spoke
Nobody's mad at you. Please, don't cry, Nino. Aiba reassured him
We know that you did it because you thought it was for the best. Nobody's blaming you, or Sho.
Nino wept in silence, his shoulders hunched as his small frame shook with each sob.
...Get us down from here. I'd feel a lot better if I could see you. Ohno spoke.
I'm glad that you finally remember us. Now at least we could figure something out. Jun offered in consolation.
Give me a hug, Nino. It's been a long time since anyone's hugged me and I miss you and Sho so horribly. Aiba's voice cracked.
Nino slowly got up from his knees and approached the dolls, stepping up on the display window and wrapping frail arms around Jun's waist. His tears flowed freely and dripped down from his chin and onto Jun's gray shirt. He fixed Jun up to a standing position and carried him all the way to the lobby. Yuki sat up once more and watched Nino with a thoughtful look, noticing how red and puffy Nino's eyes were as he carefully placed Jun on the armchair.
"There's room for two more here." Yuki scooted to the left, her hands motioning for Nino to place Jun next to her. Nino nodded, his eyes cast down as he moved Jun from the armchair and sat him next to Yuki.
"Don't do that!" Yuki exclaimed all of a sudden.
"Do what?" Nino dully asked, his tear stricken eyes meeting Yuki's.
"Don't cry!" Yuki sniffled. "You're making me cry too!" Yuki pulled Nino in for a tight embrace, and wrapped her other arm around Jun. "We're going to get through this, okay?"
Yuki, Nino... Jun, trapped in his frozen body had also wanted to cry. Nino heard the pain in Jun's voice and it greatly added to the guilt that he felt.
"Well," Nino sat in front of Jun, looking into the brown eyes that seemed to stare right through him. "I'm sorry, Jun, but Yuki knows your secret now... When she went into my mind to unlock my memories, she found that conversation I had with you that day..."
She... Oh. Had Jun been able to move, all his blood would have rushed to his cheeks. Yuki released Nino and wrapped both arms around Jun instead....Yuki feels a little warm, is she okay?
"Yuki used up a lot of her energy when she dove into my mind, Sho used to take care of her when she got like this..."
"No fair leaving me out in the conversation like this." Yuki whined, leaning her head on Jun's shoulders. "What's he saying?"
Don't say anything
"Jun likes it that you're hugging him." Nino smiled affectionately at the two, wiping away his tears; a small ray of hope lighting up his heart. "I'll be getting the others to join us." Nino said, heading back to the display window, covering it with a big black cloth and telling Pierre that the boutique would be closed for the day.
"Well, Aiba, here we go..." Nino straightened Aiba up and turned him around so that he could give his tall, giggly friend a tight embrace.
Could you make it so that I'm hugging you too? Aiba requested. I may not be able to move, but I can still feel how warm you are.
"Aiba..." Nino started tearing up again. You guys are too kind... Nino placed Aiba's arms around him as he requested. "Sho's going to be back on Monday. I promise to make him remember you."
I never doubted you, Nino.
"Thank you, Aiba"
Nino carried Aiba all the way to the lobby and placed him next to Jun who sat next to Yuki,( arms wrapped around Jun, head resting lazily on his shoulders.)
Ooooh. Are you sure I'm not interrupting anything? Aiba giggled.
Shut up.
"Oh come on, you know that you like it." Nino grinned at Jun.
...
"I don't know what they're saying, but I think I know what you guys are talking about." Yuki yawned, sleepily mumbling into Jun's sleeve. "Stop picking on Jun... Is the pill supposed to make me sleepy?"
"Oh, yes. I guess that's also just your body's natural reaction. You'll need to rest soon."
"You too. Now go get your Ohno before I fall asleep on Jun and drool all over him."
"Of course."
Nino walked back to the display window where Ohno sat all alone, his were eyes staring blankly at the black cloth draped over the window that blocked the sun's rays from coming through.
"Ohno..." Nino whispered as he pulled Ohno up from the chair and straightened his legs, his slim arms pulling Ohno tightly towards his body.
You missed me? Ohno's soft voice broke through Nino's thoughts. Turn me around so I can see your face.
Nino turned Ohno around to face him, his red, puffy eyes meeting Ohno's steady gaze as he did.
I missed you so much. Ohno's voice finally broke.
"I'm sorry. Will you ever, ever forgive me for making you wait so long?" Nino whispered, tears threatening to spill from his eyes once more as he slipped an arm around Ohno's waist and placed one hand on his shoulder. Nino leaned towards Ohno, their foreheads touching, and their lips mere centimeters apart from each other.
You don't know how happy I was when I first saw you walk through those doors... Ohno's voice came out in a whisper in Nino's head.
"I'm here now." Nino replied, "and I'm not going anywhere until I have this all fixed." Nino placed warm, soft lips on Ohno's cold ones, lingering for a moment or two before he pulled away and tenderly carried Ohno to where the rest were seated.
I'd rather you never left...
Oh! the lovebirds are here! Aiba exclaimed.
"You sure took your time." Yuki grinned, "you sure you didn't molest him back there?"
"Shut up, you're supposed to be sick!" Nino retorted, blushing, as he sat on the armchair and sat Ohno down his lap.
Jun's been very quiet, and I was afraid you'd take a long time. I was feeling very lonely here! Aiba chirped once more.
Shut up, idiot.
"Heey, you're all having your secret conversations again. I'm feeling really left out here." Yuki shot Nino a glare. "Man, this is so complicated... so I'm not even going to pretend I could catch up with everything that's happening, and I'm pretty sure you're tired too... So, what's the plan? Are you going to bring Ohno home with you?"
"Not really. My place is a mess and I don't really think he'll fit in there. I guess I'll have to leave you here till you get to move, Ohno."
No problem, just come here everyday, okay?
"Of course."
Yuki rolled her eyes "I've honestly never seen you so sappy before... So um, I think they can hear me, right?"
"Pretty much"
Yuki turned to look at the dolls one by one, taking Jun's hand in hers as she spoke.
"Jun, Aiba, Ohno... I don't really know where to begin, but I'm terribly, terribly sorry if I've done something to hurt you. You're probably bored staring out of the window all day, and I don't really know what you want to watch on television, but now that Nino's here, maybe he can tell me what you want..."
Weelll, I want to know what chocolate tastes like, but I can't eat yet
Me too, I kind of want to eat ... I also want to take pictures and study photography but I can't do that yet...
Um... I'm happy watching people from that little window, they're interesting and I want to draw them, but maybe that will have to wait until I can move, right Nino?
Nino nodded in understanding and turned to face Yuki. "Basically, Aiba wants to eat chocolate, Jun wants to eat and take pictures and Ohno wants to draw... "
"Er. Would you rather watch television, or would you rather watch the people outside the window?" Yuki yawned and scratched her head, fighting off the drowsiness that came with the medicine.
"Ohno doesn't mind watching people from his window, and from what I can remember, Aiba likes watching cartoons, while Jun likes watching documentaries. Ohno seems to like shows about underwater life..."
We don't really mind watching people said Jun. We don't want to be an inconvenience to you and we've become used to it by now, we wouldn't mind waiting a bit longer. I would like a camera though when I can move...
We'll wait Nino, don't worry. Go get Sho, I miss him very much.
I guess we can just take turns watching TV at night, eh?
"Thank you. I don't know how many times I can thank you for being so patient" Nino held Ohno closer to him and rested his head on his back "I promise to buy you a camera when I earn enough money, and Aiba, you can have all the chocolate you want..."
"I'll take care of that part, and you don't really have to work anymore. Just promise to drop by everyday..."
*****
Nino left the boutique at around 5:30 in the afternoon, mentally and emotionally exhausted, but eternally grateful for the return of his memories. The air was mild and balmy and the sky was awash in the warm red-orange glow of the sunset. Nino walked at a slow and leisurely pace towards his small apartment, viewing the city with new eyes as faces of familiar people flitted in and out of his vision. Nino wondered how many people he met and talked to everyday were also once part of his previous life. For once, he was thankful that he didn't really get out of the palace, back when he was still a prince. He wasn't quite sure he'd be able to recover that easily from all the overwhelming information he'd have to digest. As it was, he was still trying to reconcile bits of his past with his present memories, mentally shuffling through the names and faces of the people he'd interacted with everyday.
Oh! Mom's still my mom, and Eriol's my history teacher! Nino paused mid-stride at this realization,
...should I tell Yuki?
***TBC
Previous: Intersections Next: A Reunion
**Thanks for sticking around, and I'm really sorry for the long time it takes to update (I need replacements for clicky wrists! and probably more sleep, but meh..) I think I have five more chapters to go ^_^ I'm not good at multitasking and working on more than one multi-chapter story at a time, so er... if you also follow the other one, I'll be working on that next. =)