112 [Takaki x OC] 12foc #11 Nadeshiko

[macymacymacy]

Title: Nadeshiko
Author: Macy ( macymacymacy)
Pairing: Takaki Yuya x OC
Genre: Angst, Romance, Slice of Life, Drama
Rating: G
AN:
-BETA-ed by gwynfryd , rushed.
-First time making a TakakixOC fic (first time for an OC or Takaki fic, really...)
-I HOPE BEYOND HOPE THAT THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN.






Takaki looked at their schedule. He groaned. "I'm the last! Why am I the last?" He looked at his watched.

"It's still 8 o'clock AM. I am on at 4PM... Jeez, nine is still so many..."

"I'm second to the last." Daiki said from his side. "Yuya, what'll we do?" He said with a bitter smile.

"Wanna go down the temple? I heard we can see the sea there." Yuya suggested unenthusiastically.

"Yeah, sure. Nothing else to do." Daiki said.

They were in a shrine in Osaka. They'll be shooting their 9th PV there.

'9th PV... that's ironic.' Takaki mused.

The song was a ballad, so it was a very simple PV compared to their previous ones.

They also will be having a concert there in Osaka, so the PV would also include some clips from their performances.

They hadn't announced it to the fans, though. It would be a surprise gift for them. The PV would be release before December.

They started going down the steps. Takaki could hear the waves. He lighten up a bit, the sea always makes him happy.

Takaki was panting when they arrived down. He had return back up to the temple halfway through their descent claiming he had forgotten his camera.

"Why'd you want your camera, anyway?" Daiki asked.

"I wanna film the scenery. Then I'll show Inoo." he said.

Daiki laughed. "If you wanna make him envious, go film the food."

"Oh, I didn't think of that. Remind me when we come back up." Takaki said, laughing.

They went to the beach.

It was a great view. The sea was very beautiful, the waves was very high. The cold wind blew hard.

"We should've dressed more thickly. It's so cold." Takaki said.

"Well, it's autumn, what do you expect?" Daiki said, shivering all the same.

Takaki started filming. He filmed the sky which was bright blue. The sun was high over them that you wouldn't think it'd be so cold. He of course filmed the sea and the waves. He also filmed the temple which looks magnificent from down there.

He zoom his camera to the temple.

"Dai-chan looked! I can see Yuto and Yama-chan." Takaki said.

Daiki peaked through the camera's screen.

He laughed. "Was that recorded? Yama-chan tripped!"

"Yeah! Yeah!" Takaki laughed, planning on showing the movie to everyone later.

He moved his camera looking for the other members.

He saw Chinen currently filming by the shrine. He saw Yabu and Ryuu talking by the steps. He couldn't see the other two though, maybe they were somewhere practicing their guitar or something.

He tried to find them with his camera. He really couldn't see them. Maybe they were being blocked from view by a tree or something.

He tried more and but he couldn't find anyone else at the temple.

Takaki decided to just film the sceneries around him.

The forest was thick down there.

He filmed, zoomed, panned...

And then he saw a shadow by a statue.

At first he didn't noticed, but there was someone there.

He was sure it wasn't someone from JUMP though. It didn't seem someone from work either.

He pressed zoom again until it was the farthest his camera could zoom.

It was a girl.

She was sweeping by the forest.

"Who is she?" Takaki said softly. Daiki peeked through the screen again.

"Hmm.. A miko perhaps? But she's not wearing traditional clothes..." Daiki mused out loud.

He got no response from Takaki.

He looked at Takaki. He was staring at the screen. At the girl.

Daiki looked again, the camera was zoomed on the girl's face.

"Beautiful..." he muttered.

Daiki groaned.

'Thanks a lot for the arrow, Cupid.'

---

"Where's Takaki?" Yabu asked at large. They were eating lunch and he'd only notice Takaki wasn't with them.

"Probably combing down the forest." Daiki answered.

"Why?" Yabu asked, confused.

"Shot by an arrow." Daiki said after gulping down his food.

"Again?" Hikaru laughed.

Daiki sighed.

Yabu shrugged, "Well, you know how Takaki is. He's just easy to have crushes."

"Who is it?" Keito asked.

"A miko, I think... But that's not the point! You know how he is when he's ‘in love’!" Daiki complained.

"What's so bad about that?" Ryuu asked.

"You haven't been his roommate during one of his crushes have you?" Yamada said, darkly.

Yuto laughed. "Tough luck, Dai-chan."

"Ugh." Daiki groaned. "I can already hear the Jim Brickman’s."

"Don't forget the Christmas carols." Chii teased.

"Ugh! I forgot about that!"

The whole JUMP, save for Daiki, laughed.

---

Truthfully, Takaki was walking through the forest.

Sure, he wants to at least have a glimpse of the beautiful girl but that's not his only reason. He really wants to explore the temple. It was really a good sight. He wanted to capture everything in his camera.

Yeah, right. Takaki knew he wasn't fooling anyone.

He couldn't explain it, but he just felt a pull towards that girl.

She was really beautiful. She had black long hair tied in a ponytail, she was tall, and she had the most beautiful eyes.

It was specifically those eyes that pull him.

They were beautiful... but Takaki thought there were sadness in there, too.

Takaki was interrupted with his thought when he bumped into something.

It was those eyes.

Apparently, he bumped to someone. Someone he was really thankful he bumped into.

She suddenly bowed saying sorry repeatedly and then she kneeled down to retrieve her pail.

That was when Takaki noticed that she'd dropped her pail and in the process spilled the water that she must have collected, all over the floor.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry." Takaki said, finally finding his voice.

He beat her into picking the pail. "I'm really sorry. I wasn't looking."

She shook her head. "It's my fault. I'm sorry." She said bowing again. She had a little voice.

She wasn't looking at him directly and just kept bowing.

"I'll help you collect the water." Takaki said.

"No need. Thank you." She said again, still not looking directly at him.

"Really it's no problem. I'll feel guilty if I don't at least help you." He said.

She was quiet for a while as if contemplating. Then she slowly nodded.

She led the way to the well.

Takaki did all the job, with much of the girl's protests. From how she moves and speaks, Takaki concluded she was very reserved and polite. A traditional girl.

Takaki carried the pail of water to the temple. One more thing he realized was as they walked was that this girl didn't know him. Not that he was being conceited about being JUMP and everything, but this girl doesn't give him the impression of your average girl.

She seemed younger than him. Maybe around twenty... around Yamada's age... It was funny but Takaki couldn't imagine her listening to a JUMP song.

"Thank you." The girl said, bowing yet again.

Takaki smiled but the girl might not have seen it.

"No problem." He decided to say instead.

"Are you a miko?" He asked. She wasn't wearing traditional miko garments but being one really suits her.

She shook her head. "I'm just a helper." She said as she took the pail and moved to go.

"What's your name?" Takaki asked before she could go.

Finally she looked at him. Takaki stared.

He was really attracted by those deep onyx orbs.

He tried to snap out of it. "I'm sorry." He said, "I haven't introduced myself. I'm Takaki Yuya. What's your name?"

"Tachibana Nadeshiko." She said very softly, it seemed a whisper of the wind.

But Takaki heard her. She bowed yet again and left.

---

'Nadeshiko.' Takaki thought. It really suits her. She was a perfect modern Yamato Nadeshiko as far as he knows.

Very prim, very proper, very beautiful- Takaki couldn't believe someone like her really exists.

"You're already awake?" Daiki said sleepily sitting up his bed. They were in their hotel room.

Actually, Takaki wasn't 'already awake.' The right words were, he was 'still up.' He couldn't really sleep. His mind was full of Nadeshiko.

Takaki shrugged at Daiki. "We're gonna be going soon." He said.

They will be going back to the temple. Takaki was very grateful that it rained yesterday. They had to stop the filming and continue it today.

He wished it'd rain every day.

Takaki stood up, already getting ready.

"I saw you yesterday talking to that girl." Daiki said, sounding more awake now.

"Who? Nadeshiko?" Takaki asked.

"You got her name? Nice." Daiki said.

Takaki shrugged. God forbid, he was giddy.

Daiki shook his head, chuckling. "Shall I prepare my IPod and earphones?"

"Baby you're my destiny! You and I were meant to be~!" Takaki started singing at the top of his lungs.

Daiki groaned.

---

They were back in the temple at noon. They were finished with half the PV, and will just have to wait for concert clips so they had time to spare.

When they got there, Takaki's eyes automatically went around the temple and the forest searching for a certain black-haired girl.

He didn't saw her though.

They were asked to get into their costumes as the crew set up the last few things.

After an hour they already started filming. The group shot was the only one left to film.

Unlike their other PVs, they will not film dance in this one but instead film a scene of the group just hanging out.

There would be a scene with only Yamada and Yuto, another one with Chii and Ryuu... stuffs like that.

Of course there would also be scenes with all of them there. They would be filming scenes where all of them would be playing together by the beach.

This was a feat since it was so cold at the beach even at noon.

It was cold but they did have fun with the filming. That's the best about JUMP. They could enjoy themselves wherever they are.

Takaki was distracted throughout the whole filming though.

He couldn't help but looked around every once in a while. He really wanted to see her again.

But their filming ended and still, he hadn't seen her.

As he got on their van, he couldn't help but wonder where she was

She said she was a helper in this temple, but he hadn't seen her the whole day.

He sighed as he sat inside the van.

"What is it, Yuya?" Chinen asked.

Takaki just sighed again and looked outside, back to the temple.

That was when he saw her.

She was watching them leave.

He didn't know why but she looked a bit wistful.

Not thinking about it, he opened his window and called her.

She looked at him sharply and then looked at the ground. She bowed yet again.

Takaki waved at her like a silly kid. He knew he wasn't acting his age at all, but he's always been like that.

He saw her give him a small smile and tentatively waved back.

'Was she watching us all along?' Takaki mused.

It was very foolish to feel that way, but he felt so very happy at that thought.

"Jeez, Yuya." He heard Chinen laughed. "You're like a high school girl with her crush!"

---

Their rehearsals for the concert started a day after their filming. The group hadn't revealed to public that they had been in Osaka a few days earlier for the PV. No one but the agency new about the PV.

It was actually Yabu who had thought of the surprise PV. As a thanks to their fans for the six years of support to JUMP. Yabu was just sentimental that way.

Yamada was the one to suggest Osaka. No doubt it was because of Yuma. Speaking of, Yuma would be arriving today for the rehearsal.

It was just the same old pattern.

At first the members would talked about what'll happen during the performance. During this Con, everyone would have a corner.

In their fifth anniversary, they had released an album with their solo recordings and they would sing those songs individually once more. This time though, it'll be a medley.

UMP was back on the list of their songs. They had stopped singing it two years ago but due to recent happenings, Yabu thought it was just right to sing it once more.

Takaki knew Yabu missed the JUMP five months ago.

After their brainstorming it was time for the real rehearsal.

They went to the dance studio first They would be doing lots of dance rehearsal there first before they do it in the real stage.

Just the same pattern, so Takaki knew they'd be finished by around 5pm.

That was just right for a quick visit in the temple.

He went there in their first rehearsal day.

He went back the next day.

And he fell into the habit of going there every after practice or even before the real performance. All of them are of age now so their concerts would now start in the afternoon.

He just goes there to watch her.

Sometimes she would just pray in the shrine, or sweep the grounds, or clean the statues, but most of the time she plays with the children visiting the shrine. She was very good with the children.

Everything she did just kept Takaki's interest.

Takaki never knew he have stalker-tendencies, but he just couldn't resist.

Finally their performances for Osaka ended and they'd have to go to the next location to continue their autumn concert.

---

After a month, their concerts finally ended. The whole group had become emotional at the last performance. It was their first concert after that incident after all.

But through all these, Takaki didn't forget about her. About Nadeshiko.

Hikaru had commented that it was a rare thing to happen to Takaki.

"Maybe she's finally the one." Hikaru had said jokingly.

But those words left Takaki pondering.

After the concert they had been given a break, like they would usually after a project like this.

Takaki used that time to go back to that temple in Osaka.

This time, he'd seen her at once. She was by the garden, looking down at the sea

He cleared his throat; he didn't want to startle her by suddenly poking her or something.

She looked 'round as if in alarm. Takaki didn't understand why she panicked.

But she visibly relaxed when she saw him.

She bowed at him.

"Hey..." he said. He didn't know what else to say.

Nadeshiko looked at him. "You... you're Takaki Yuya."

He smiled. "I thought you would already forget. I'm glad you remembered, Tachibana Nadeshiko."

She bowed at him once more. She was fidgety.

"You are back? Are you going to film here again? You are an actor, I presume."

"I'm an idol actually. I'm a member of the band Hey! Say! JUMP." Takaki said. "But no, I just came to visit."

"Hey! Say! JUMP?" she said in confusion.

"You don't know us..." Takaki said.

"I'm sorry, I don't really go out that much nor do I watch television. I just go for groceries and that's that. I just stay here and there's no television here." she said apologetically.

Takaki just nodded. Really, what was he to say?

She stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. And apparently realizing what she's doing, she blushed and apologized for being rude.

Takaki laughed good naturedly at that. And thankfully, that helped in pacifying Nadeshiko. She smiled at him.

And Takaki couldn't help but thank the gods he saw that.

"Am I right to think that you have some questions? About my life and the sort?" Takaki asked. He couldn't help but be polite as well. She was too proper it was contagious.

"Would it be okay if I asked?"

"Sure. I'd like to ask about being a temple maiden as well."

They had talked for so long that day. Tachibana-san, as Takaki started calling her, was as interested in his life as he was interested in hers. She was very curious about life in Tokyo and life as an idol. Takaki was equally interested in life there in the temple as a miko. Tachibana-san had said that she wasn't a miko but she was certainly living like one.

After that, Takaki had started visiting her whenever he can- at least once a week if he can help it but with his schedule, it was hard.

Takaki was satisfied with that arrangement, though. He was glad he could be friends with her. And he was glad that she seemed happy as well. She seemed to be anticipating his visits.

---

On the first week of December, Takaki visited Osaka again. He was really thankful of the train system in Japan.

He first went to the market place intending to buy omiage for the other members.

Whenever he visits, he tends to stay at the temple till the end of the day so he usually wouldn't have time buying gifts after visiting.

He smiled at the familiar figure he saw.

It seems Tachibana-san was doing her groceries today.

He was about to approach her but then he heard something.

A pair of middle-age lady was whispering in front of him and they'd said her name.

"--can't believe she's still living as a miko." One of them said.

"I know. It's been three years, too. Has she no shame? A miko is supposed to be pure." The other one said.

"She's the opposite of pure!" The first one said in disgust. "Tsk. Really, the youth today. Wasted--"

He cleared his throat. He felt angry at these women. No shame? How about looking at the mirror?

He didn't actually know what they were talking about but Takaki was sure about one thing. They didn't know Nadeshiko. Or why else would they say all those things?

He walked passed them and called out to Nadeshiko. It might've made things worse. As far as Takaki knew, mikos aren't allowed to have boyfriends and stuffs but Nadeshiko isn't a miko. She'd been clear about that. And, as much as he didn't want to admit it, he wasn't her boyfriend.

Nadeshiko didn't hear his call. She turned around a corner and disappeared from Takaki's view.

Takaki followed her.

She found her talking to a little boy, around five, who was crying.

She hugged the little boy and the little boy cried to her.

Takaki approached them.

He saw Nadeshiko got something from her bag. It was a paper, and a pen it seems. She then started writing something on it.

No, she drew something. When he was near enough to see, he realized it was a drawing of a chibi Naruto.

The boy abruptly stopped crying and watched her draw.

"Hey." Takaki said.

Nadeshiko all but jump. Takaki had grown used to this. Nadeshiko was really easily surprised.

"Sorry." He said.

"Takaki-san." She said, sounding relief.

"Hey there, little guy." Takaki greeted the boy.

"You're the ninja!!" The little boy said, surprised. Takaki knew the little guy was talking about his latest drama wherein he was an assassin, with traditional ninja stuffs made modern as his weapons.

He smiled at the boy. "Yeah, just like Naruto here." He said pointing at Nadeshiko's drawing.

The little boy grinned at him.

"Here." Nadeshiko said, handing the boy the drawing.

"Neechan, I can have it?" The boy asked surprised. Nadeshiko nodded.

He grinned, bigger this time that his front teeth- or lack of, was seen.

"Arigatou!" He said.

"Shota!" Someone called and the boy looked up. He ran towards presumably his mom waving back to them.

"I didn't know you could draw." Takaki said when the child was already gone.

"We don't do much in the temple." Nadeshiko said, smiling abashedly. "The little boy was crying when I saw him but he wouldn't tell me what happened. I figured I could cheer him up if I drew. Naruto is the only anime I'm familiar though. Whenever I drew for Yuri-chan, she would always smile."

She explained as they were walking. Takaki didn't know who Yuri-chan was but he figured she was one of the frequent visitors of the temple.

"Oh," Takaki said noticing the grocery bags, "let me help you with that." He said as he took one bag.

He'd touch her hand accidentally. And suddenly she gasped.

She dropped all the shopping bags. Takaki was surprised. She looked very unsettled, holding onto the hand he touched as if he'd burn her.

Realizing, it seems, what she'd done. She suddenly crouched down to pick the groceries.

Takaki followed to help.

"I'm really sorry about that. I was just startled." She said but she wasn't looking at him.

Silently, they went towards the temple with Takaki carrying some of the shopping bags.

His visit that day was very weird. But Takaki was happy when he left because they had gone back to the usual pattern after a few walk around the temple.

---

Two days after that, Takaki went back to Osaka. His only reason for doing so was to give Nadeshiko his Christmas gift. He knew he would soon be busy for fuyucon so he decided he'll just give it earlier.

Takaki went straight up the temple and asked for Nadeshiko. Kaori-san, one of the mikos, told him she was down by the sea and so Takaki descended the stairs to look for her.

She found her just by the shore looking at the sea.

"Nadeshiko-san!" He had called.

She'd looked back to him and smiled in recognition.

He approached her but then, "Na-chan!"

Takaki looked around and saw a little girl running to her.

Nadeshiko giggled and hugged the little girl. The little girl would be around four years old.

"What's that you have?" Nadeshiko asked.

"A starfish!" The little girl said. "It's for you!"

Nadeshiko smiled at her. "Thank you."

"Oh, Takaki-san. This is Yuri-chan."

"Hey there." Takaki said crouching in front of the little girl. He had seen this little girl before, playing with Nadeshiko.

The little girl looked at Takaki for a while and then she smiled, showing off her dimples.

"You're Ta-chan!" she said.

Takaki laughed. The little kid was just too cute.

"Yes, I am." Takaki said. "Did Na-chan tell you about me?"

The little girl nodded.

"I didn't know you had a sister." Takaki said. There was no doubt about it. Yuri looked a lot like Nadeshiko: black thick hair, even at that young age, and black obsidian eyes.

Nadeshiko didn't answer but rather smiled at the little girl.

Takaki was thankful he'd bought two gifts. It wasn't really on purpose. He'd gotten Nadeshiko a bracelet as a gift but then he saw a necklace with a Nadeshiko flower as its pendant and couldn't help but feel that the necklace fits her. He bought that, too. So now he'd give Yuri the bracelet and Nadeshiko the necklace.

At first Nadeshiko didn't want to take these gifts but Takaki can be persuasive.

Takaki had spent all day playing with Yuri that day. It was cold down there by the sea since it was already winter but the young girl didn't seem to be bothered by the weather. She was just bursting with energy.

---

As Takaki expected, his next weeks were busy for the fuyucon. He didn't complain; work was work.

But he was happy to know that they'd be performing in Osaka on the 25th.

The other members knew about his frequent visits to Nadeshiko. They didn't talk much about it, but Takaki knew they always cover for him whenever he went. He’s very thankful for that.

When they were in Osaka, he'd only said he was going out and they'd already know that he was going to the temple.

In the morning of 25th, Takaki woke up early so he could visit the temple.

He'd come even before the sun had risen, because he knew there would be lots of paparazzi during cons like these. He didn't want to get caught.

He ascended the familiar steps and went straight to where he knew Nadeshiko and Yuri were staying.

He was about to knock but before he could, the sliding door already opened and a panicked Nadeshiko came out.

"Whoah, Nadeshiko-san, what happened?" He asked, panicking as well. There were tears in Nadeshiko's eyes.

"Yuri-chan. She's sick. I don't know what happened but she's burning with fever and I-"

"Where is she?" Takaki asked urgently.

Nadeshiko lead the way to the girl's room. Takaki hastily carried the girl and both of them ran towards the road where Takaki hailed a cab.

They were in front of the hospital in no time. Takaki hurled a bill or two to the cab driver, not even bothering to see how much he'd given him. He figured it was enough since the driver didn't complain. Well, he didn't really have the chance either way. Once the cab stopped Takaki took off to the emergency room carrying Yuri and with Nadeshiko in tow.

The doctors attended to Yuri at once, thank God or Takaki might have raged at them. He didn't know why, but he felt really attached to the little girl. And Nadeshiko was looking close to collapsing herself. She really loves Yuri dearly.

They waited for a while. It was the longest morning for Takaki.

Finally, a doctor approached them. And by how the doctor looked, Takaki was already relieved.

"Are you family?" She asked the both of them.

"Yes." Nadeshiko said. "How is she?"

"Don't worry." The doctor smiled at them. "She's fine, she just had the flu. It's a bit common since it's winter. She just needs some rest and then she can go."

Nadeshiko sighed in relief. She bowed at the doctor and thanked her.

They went inside Yuri's room where she was wide awake and seemingly cheery again.

She saw Takaki first. "Ta-chan!" she said, beaming.

But then she saw Nadeshiko. And suddenly, the little girl cried.

And then Takaki realized that the little girl was only acting tough for his sake and that façade crumble at the sight of her oneesan.

Nadeshiko hurried to her side and hugged the little girl. Yuri cried harder.

"Oh sweetie... Was it scary? Don't worry, I'm right here now. You're alright now."

Takaki smiled at the scene.

But it felt like the world stopped when he heard Yuri's next word.

"Mama..."

---

When Yuri finally slept, Nadeshiko accompanied Takaki outside the hospital.

It was already noon, and Takaki really needs to go back. JUMP would have to go to the arena in a while for their concert.

He hadn't talk since that word.

But he'd thought about it while they were inside. It couldn't be, right? Maybe the young girl was really just scared she'd accidentally called her neesan, "Mama." That was possible.

Takaki smiled at Nadeshiko as they stopped walking in front of the hospital, waiting for a cab.

"Thank you for everything." Nadeshiko said bowing at Takaki.

"It was nothing. I hope Yuri-chan gets well. She really seemed scared. She even called you 'Mama.'" Takaki said nonchalantly. But truthfully he was scared to know if this wasn't true.

Nadeshiko didn't reply at once. And then slowly, she spoke.

"Yuri-chan is a very mature child. She knows our... circumstances. So as much as possible she calls me 'Na-chan.' But Takaki-san," she looked at him. "She's mine. I am Yuri-chan's biological mother."

A cab stopped in front of them.

"Y-yuri is yours?" Takaki said, stunned. He was mentally calculating. Three or four years old... Nadeshiko was nineteen years old... She was around fifteen when she had her.

Nadeshiko nodded and smiled sadly at Takaki.

Takaki didn't much remember how he got back to the hotel. He didn't much remember how he got to the arena with the others.

His memory of their performance was hazy as well. He was sure he made many mistakes but he thinks the others covered for him. And he was sure he didn’t even talk during the MC part, or any part.

He was thankful when finally they were back to the hotel and he could finally think in peace.

The others didn't bug him much, either. They must have known something was wrong. He was really lucky to have very considerate friends.

He just didn't know what to think or how to react to that discovery... He was sure he felt something for Nadeshiko. And it’s a strong feeling, too.

And now he knows Nadeshiko already had a daughter. She'd had her for four years now.

And how should he feel about that?

He certainly didn't feel good about it.

And he certainly felt like he was struck by a lightning or something. There were many questions going on in his head.

Why hadn't she told him about her before? She didn't correct him when he'd assume Yuri was her sister.

When? Is this what those ladies were talking about? They said she wasn't pure. That she couldn't live as a miko…

But she wasn't a miko, was she?

And the most he is bugged about was who?

Who was Yuri's father?

---

The next day Yabu talked to him about his performance the previous day. He'd apologized sincerely. He'd told him about what happened to Yuri and he was worried. He didn't exactly lied, he just didn't give the whole truth.

Then he asked Yabu if he could visit Yuri for a while just so he could have his peace of mind.

Yabu agreed but first made him promise not to get distracted during their performance tonight.

He'd promise. He’s sincere about his promise, too. He didn't want to be unfair to the other members. He'd do his best for tonight's performance.

He went to the temple in his usual disguise.

When he arrived, he first composed himself and then ascended the stairs.

He looked around first. He only realized now how long he'd been going there.

He went to their living quarters and knocked.

The one who answered though, wasn't Nadeshiko but Kaori-san.

Takaki bowed politely. Kaori-san was around his age. But she was a bit scary.

During his first visits, Takaki didn't feel like Kaori-san was welcoming him as Nadeshiko did. But nowadays she seemed fine with him. Not really welcoming, but it seems she just thought she wouldn't be able to do anything about his visits anyway so she just let him be.

Kaori-san was your contemporary miko. A college student in need of a part time job and got landed with being a temple maiden.

She looked surprised to see him.

"Uhmm, good morning. Is Nadeshiko-san..?"

"Oh, they hadn't come back yet. They'll be around soon, though. Why don't you wait for them..."

Takaki bowed in thanks. He figured he would walk around the temple while waiting.

But before he could go, Kaori-san called him again.

"You... Are you serious about Nadeshiko?" She asked without preamble. Takaki knew, by experience, that she was very protective of Nadeshiko.

"You're an idol yet you spend so much time visiting her..." she continued. "What do you really want from her?" she asked sternly.

"I..." Takaki started. He didn't really know how to answer. "I like her."

"And the sky is blue. Anything else obvious you want to point out?" She asked sarcastically. "I'm asking if you're serious about her. Are you... I don't know, but are you sure about what you're doing? Are you sure what you're doing will lead to something? Something that would be good for both of you? for Yuri-chan? I know it must seem harsh, but if you don't know the answer to my question then please stop coming to see her." She said and Takaki was surprised to see that she was blinking back tears.

"I'm grateful that you'd been a good friend to her but if that's not enough for you then please stop." She said. "She doesn't need to hurt more."

"Kaori-san..." Takaki said. "What happened three years ago?"

Kaori glared at him.

"Please, tell me. I'm very confused. I know about Yuri-chan but I don't know anything else."

"It's not really my story to tell." Kaori said.

"Please, Kaori-san. I've heard things in the market place. Things that I think aren't true but no one is telling me any other side of the story! I don't know what to think of Nadeshiko!"

"I... I don't think I should be the one telling you but I don't think you'll get the truth out of anybody else." She said, looking hesitant.

She looked at him, as if gauging him. Takaki stood his ground, and looked back with determination. He wants to know. He needs to know.

"Nadeshiko...” Kaori-san started saying, looking away from Takaki. “She was orphaned when she was just seven years old." she said.

"My grandfather, who is the keeper of this temple decided to take her in as a miko. She was a very nice girl, we got along well. I consider her as my sister. She grew to be a very beautiful lady... well, you know that." She looked at Takaki for a while and turned away once more.

"Anyway, by the age of fourteen, suitors were already pouring in. She didn't know much about dating, being raised by my traditional grandfather, but she was gracious to her suitors. Well, that's just how she is. She's too kind. She wasn't interested in any of them, though. She wanted to be a true miko.” She sighed and as she continued, her voice cracked. Takaki paid no heed, though.

“But then one of her suitors was very persistent. He was obsessed with her even though she didn't want anything to do with him. He couldn't accept that she'd refused him and so..." She trailed off, but Takaki could see what happened now. And he didn’t know how he felt. It was just…

Takaki was surprised to see Kaori-san’s face trailed with tears. He hadn't noticed. Takaki didn't want to hear anything more. But Kaori-san kept talking.

"He violated her!" Kaori-san said in rage. "My little sister!" she cried.

"I wanted to kill the bastard but he was already gone when we found her. I had told her to abort the child but she refused. She said the child was hers too, that the child hadn't done anything wrong. And she was never the same. She started to keep to herself. She never smiled again except for Yuri-chan.” She looked at Takaki so fiercely, Takaki felt himself jolt.

“That was... until she met you." Kaori said softly.

Takaki take that all in. He'd remember the first time he met Nadeshiko... she kept bowing and bowing and wouldn't look at him. Now he realized she was scared of him that day. And she was scared the next day. That was why she didn’t go out until they were finally leaving. And when he accidentally touched her... she flinched. Takaki felt so stupid. And he was already judging Nadeshiko. He felt so ashamed.

"Nadeshiko..." Kaori-san said Takaki looked around and there was Nadeshiko just coming up.

"Oneesan... Takaki-san, you're here..." She said looking on the ground.

Takaki composed himself.

"Is Yuri-chan okay?" he asked. Nadeshiko seemed to relax.

'She's used to being judged.' He'd realized. 'She was expecting me to say something about that.'

"Yes. Ne, Yuri-chan?" Nadeshiko looked at the little girl in her arms. The little girl giggled.

"That's great." Takaki said, ruffling Yuri-chan's hair. She giggled more.

Takaki decided right then. "Nadeshiko-san, can I talk to you?"

Kaori looked at Takaki. And she understood. "Yuri-chan, come with Kao-chan for a minute?" She called to the young girl.

Takaki gestured for them to have a stroll.

Unseen by anyone, someone from behind the tree smirked.

The guy, whoever he was, was sure he had just gotten the scoop of the year.

---

Takaki returned to the hotel in high spirits. The first he saw was fortunately, the other members. And at the sight of them he shouted, "She said yes!!!!"

Flabbergasted, the rest of JUMP just stared at him for a full minute before Takaki said yet again, "She said yes! Nadeshiko!"

And that was when shouts of congratulations were shouted at him. He was so happy and so hyper that night, Yabu had to admit he was the life in that performance.

Takaki had confessed his feelings to Nadeshiko and Nadeshiko, though hesitant had told him that she felt the same.

Takaki wanted to hug her so bad but he'd resisted. He didn't want her to relieve any painful memories. He also told her he knew what had happened. He didn't really want to keep secrets from her.

Thankfully, Nadeshiko seemed relieved about that. She said she didn't want to keep anything from him, either.

During their entire fuyucon, Takaki kept coming back to Osaka whenever he can. Yabu didn't have much problem about this except he was worried about Takaki's health. Well, the physical aspect since Yabu was sure the emotional and mental aspect was very very healthy.

But then the fuyucon ended and they were back to Tokyo.

And what welcomed them wasn't good.

Once they were in HQ, JUMP was automatically called in by Julie-san.

She looked at them grimly and then handed something to Takaki. A newspaper.

'Takaki Yuya with a love child in Osaka.'

There was a picture of him with Nadeshiko and Yuri. Their faces were obscured but anyone who knows them would have recognized them at once.

Without really thinking, Takaki dashed outside the HQ and hailed a cab intending to go back once more to Osaka.

He barely heard the others call him. His exhaustion from the whole trip vanished on the spot. He needed to see them, know they're okay. They were already prosecuted by their neighbors there... he didn't want them-and because of him, too.

The journey was fast. But it felt years for Takaki. He'd run up the temple and to their living quarters.

Kaori was there but it seems she hadn't known anything yet. The news hadn't reached them yet.

Breathlessly, he'd explained everything to Kaori-san, and instructed her not to let Nadeshiko and Yuri out for a while.

Kaori-san agreed, looking grim.

Takaki didn't stay for Nadeshiko and Yuri. He knew he needed to fix this, as early as he could.

He'd return to Tokyo the next two hours. And then back to their HQ.

Julie-san asked him questions. He'd answered honestly.

Yuri wasn't his child. He'd only met Nadeshiko in their last PV making. But yes, she is his girlfriend, only recently though...

Julie-san nodded at his answers. He was relieved she believed him. She said the agency had already denied the accusation but to still be prepared because the media would want his say on the matter.

"Takaki, what you told me today... It's up to you if you want to share it to the public or not." Julie-san had said.

Takaki just nodded.

For the whole week, the news and the internet were full of that rumor. Takaki was thankful that his fans were backing him up. He was really moved that they trusted him so. Still, there were many malicious people adding more to the rumors. Theories and make-believes. But Takaki didn't really want to bother with them anymore.

Takaki already decided. He knew this was the right thing to do. At least, this was what he wants to do.

He thought of Inoo and cracked a smiled.

He took out his phone and dialed his number.

Inoo answered after three rings.

"Takaki?" He heard his voice.

"Yo, Useless architect. Can you talk right now?" He asked.

"Right now is good. What's up?"

"I just called to tell you I'm blaming you for this." He said in what he hoped to be his serious voice.

It seems he failed because Inoo laughed.

"What did I do this time?" Inoo asked.

"Well, you started this whole 'Graduating' business." Takaki said, giving a little chortle.

Inoo was quiet for a while.

"Takaki... Hey, I heard the news… That wasn't true, was it?"

"It wasn't." Takaki assured him. "But I've been thinking..."

"You love her." Inoo said in a statement. He didn't graduate university for nothing. "But can't you choose a crossroad?" Inoo asked.

Takaki smiled a little sadly. "Honestly, I don't want a crossroad."

"You've decided."

"Yeah."

"Have you told them?" Inoo asked.

"About to. Be flattered I told you first."

Inoo laughed. "Well. Just remember Yama-chan's words."

"Yeah... I know."

---

The door opened and Takaki was welcomed by flashes of cameras. The press conference was about to start.

He tried to be just the same old Takaki. He answered their questions calmly, even laughing a little.

"No it's not true."

"But a picture of presumably you and the two girls were seen. According to sources, it was a mother and a daughter." A reporter said. Takaki had seen the picture. It was of him carrying Yuri and at their side was Nadeshiko.

Takaki smiled bitterly at that, "Yes, it was me. And it was a mother and daughter. But I am not the father."

"What is your relationship to them, then?" Another reporter said.

Takaki smiled. "She's my girlfriend. It's a picture of me, my girlfriend and her daughter."

The reporters were in uproar but Takaki continued talking. "I met her in the filming of our last PV. I've courted her after our autumn concert. We started dating just two weeks ago. The picture was taken before that, on Christmas day. That day, her daughter had been sick and we rushed her to the hospital. That is all I'm gonna say. Please respect her and my privacy from now on."

Takaki looked at all of them and said, "I'm retiring from the industry." And then he bowed to them all.

---

"Ta-chan!" Yuri called.

Takaki smiled at the sight of her.

"Na-chan made a drawing of you! Look!"

---

Sometimes, in order to protect the ones you love, you have to sacrifice the other things you love.

END.

AN:
-the last part is obviously rushed... and there are many typos.. sorry about that.
-there are some unclear things here.. it'll be explained on my next fic tomorrow. that would be the last for 12 fics of Christmas.
-Names Nadeshiko, random and because she's a yamato nadeshiko. 'Yuri' because I'd like to use a name that means a flower (Yuri means Lily) and I didn't want 'Sakura'
-in case you're wondering what's Christmassy about this fic... it's the story about how Jesus came to be. Joseph was Mary's fiancé, Mary was suddenly visited by an angel telling her she would be conceiving Jesus Christ, then Mary became pregnant. Joseph found out that she is pregnant even though they weren’t married still, and he was sure it wasn’t his. but instead of judging and scorning her like what his relatives did, he continued with their marriage. So Takaki was like Joseph here, only Nadeshiko already have her child.