.
The Engagement
A Hana Yori Dango Fanfiction
By Maho-chan
It's finally time for Tsukasa to propose to Tsukushi and everyone wants to be a part of his plans! How will Tsukasa propose?
Originally posted on the Hana Yori Dango Mailing List on December 30, 2000. This is the first HYD fanfiction I wrote. It is unfinished right now, but rest assured, I intend to finish it.
AN (5/5/06): Hi ! This Fanfiction has several spoilers in it, for the anime episodes: 3, 6, 7, 17, 28, 29, 32, 35, 37, 38 and manga volumes: 21, 26, 27.
Enjoy and please review and let me know what you think!
(10/30/00) Thanks to Rita for editing and posting this for me the Hana Yori Dango Project and HYDML!
Disclaimer: I don’t own Hana Yori Dango, of course! Kamio-sensei does and she’s the best!
The Engagement
A Hana Yori Dango Fanfiction
By Maho-chan
Chapter 1
"You're gonna what?" Soujiro's voice echoed through the courtyard of Eitoku
University. Akira just stood close by shaking his head.
"Keep it down, will ya? Yes I am going to do it, what is your problem?"
Tsukasa hissed at him angrily. "It's a good time to do it, I almost done
with my major and in a couple of years she will be too!"
"BUT MARRIAGE?" Soujiro yelled, eyes bugging out. "I can't believe this, you
two getting married? She's only nineteen and you're only twenty-one! You
fight all the time! And she is your first girlfriend! Don't you know how to
play the field?" Several students walking by looked perturbed at seeing
such a handsome guy hyperventilating and yelling up a storm…then stopped
looking and hurried by as they got a warning look from Tsukasa. Akira just
looked green, and kept shaking his head and muttering to himself.
"YES MARRIAGE, do you mind not screaming it around school?
I am trying to keep it a secret until I ask her!" Tsukasa said.
"Anyways, I don't plan on getting married until I am out of college, but she's the one I want,
and so I am going to ask her! I don't want to wait another minute! And anyways, we fight because we get along that way.
And besides, why should I play the field when I know that she is the one for me? We've been together three years."
Tsukasa's voice lowered to a whisper, as he looked away. "And after what my mother has done in the past to keep us apart,
I don't ever want to be away from her again."
Akira finally spoke up, looking a lot less greener than a few seconds ago.
"Tsukasa, we understand that, we are just a little shocked to imagine you
and Makino MARRIED. But if that is what you want to do, we'll help you out.
When did you decide this anyways?"
"A couple of nights ago." Tsukasa said, blushing.
"EHHH? Nights? What have you two been doing that you haven't been telling me, huh?"
Being confronted with a subject that Soujiro was extremely
interested and expert in made him excited, besides the fact that he had been
waiting for Tsukasa to finally get Makino into bed for three years. He
stopped hyperventilating and was now looking at Tsukasa with extreme interest.
"Sounds like you and Makino have been doing quite well! And here we thought
you two were still at first base!" Akira high-fived Soujiro. "FINALLY!" they
both exclaimed.
"Huh?" Tsukasa looked at them blankly. "Base? Makino doesn't know how to
play baseball. Why would we do that anyways?"
A sweat drop the size of a small bucket formed on Soujiro's brow "Never
mind." he sighed. "So how are you going to ask her? Do you have the ring
yet?"
"Yeah, let me get it out" Tsukasa fumbled in his pocket for a bit and pulled
out a little black velvet box. He opened it to reveal a very delicate gold
ring with a beautiful diamond in the shape of a heart in the center. "I got
it from Tama, she gave it to me to a year ago to give to Tsukushi. It was
my grandmother's. When she died, she gave it to Tama for safekeeping.
Apparently my grandparents were a lot like me and Tsukushi, they fought a
lot, but really loved each other….." he mused. "Anyway, I got it sized for
Makino's hand last week…"
Akira and Soujiro looked down at the ring "It's beautiful" Akira said
quietly. "By the way, what made you decide to ask her now?"
Tsukasa suddenly looked blank, remembering.
Flashback
"Makino, you're late! Where are you ?" Tsukasa shouted into his cell
phone. "I've been waiting for you for an hour and a half!"
"Baka! I am at work still, they kept me overtime…gomen…Still you don't
have to yell at me!" Tsukushi shouted back.
"I was worried about you! Next time call me when you're going to be late"
he said in a quieter voice. After three years, Tsukushi still had the habit
of forgetting to call or leave notes when she was going to be late or out,
which was always a source of worry for Tsukasa.
"I am sorry, it was just really busy at the restaurant." Tsukushi was a law
major at Tokyo University and worked two jobs to put herself through
college. One of those was at a restaurant as a waitress." I am coming over
now; do you still want to watch a movie? Aren't the SPs still lurking around
the house?"
"Yeah, come on over. I'll come let you in by the back gate near the hedge.
They never patrol over there. How was your night?" Tsukasa asked.
"Pretty bad, we had a lot of mix ups and rude customers. And I am so tired!
I wanted to at least change, but I guess I will just have to come over in
these clothes."
"I don't care what you wear, just get here soon!"
"Alright, alright…be there in about 20 minutes"
Click
Tsukasa went out in to the yard and sat on a bench near the large hedge by
the back gate. He stretched his long legs out and looked up at the stars.
The grass felt cool underneath his bare feet. He was lost in his thoughts,
when he felt and saw two hands come up over his eyes.
"Hey" Makino whispered her breath warm against his very sensitive ear.
Tsukasa immediately turned bright red and turned towards her, startled.
Makino giggled at the look on his face and said, "You are sensitive on your
ear!"
Tsukasa blushed a deeper red, then quickly stood. He took her by the hand
and started to lead her toward the house, gruffly saying, "Baka, let's go
inside, it's cold."
"Ok." Tsukushi smiled amusedly at him, then winced from the achiness in her
feet. Tsukasa noticed this and after a couple of steps, he picked her up in
his arms and began carrying her.
"Hey stop that, I can walk on my own! Let me down!" Tsukushi stammered,
blushing. After three years of dating, the nervousness and most of the
miscommunications in their relationship were gone, replaced by much better
methods of communication. However Tsukasa still had the ability to surprise
Tsukushi in myriad of ways and in true Tsukushi fashion, she still had the
habit of getting embarrassed and flustered.
"Idiot, you were limping. What happened tonight anyway? And by the way you
smell funny." Tsukasa winced as he received a large smack behind his head.
"I was on my feet for 6 hours and my feet hurt really bad. Plus, I smell
funny because I work in a fish restaurant! I wanted to take a bath before I
came, but they kept me late! And someone dropped a bunch of plates and
broke them, so we spent an hour cleaning up the mess."
"Makino, why do you work in such a place? You're always tired and getting
hurt from working there. You should get a better job." They were drawing
closer to the balcony. Tsukushi leaned her head against his shoulder and
closed her eyes. She was so tired.
"I need the money that's why. You know I don't have a lot of money to
spend, and I still have to support Susumu. Also, my university scholarships
don't cover the amount it costs to live in my apartment. So I need to work
as much as I can. It will just be for a little while longer, I hope." The
feeling of warmth from Tsukasa's arms was making her very sleepy.
"I hope so, too." Tsukasa thought as he kissed the top of her head, "I worry
about you." He kept walking towards the house.
"We're here, just need to climb up, can you make it?"
"Yeah."
Tsukasa gently put her down and helped her climb up onto the balcony. He
climbed up himself and led her into his room. "Do you want to take a shower
here? You can use my bathroom. I think some of your pajamas are still here
someplace."
"Ok, then lets watch that movie you rented. I'll be out in a sec." Tsukushi
disappeared into the bathroom with her clothes and the fluffy towel Tsukasa
handed her.
Tsukushi quickly got undressed, turned on the shower, and stepped inside.
The warm water and steam felt wonderful to Tsukushi's tired body. She washed
her hair and just basked in the warmth of the shower. "This feels so good,"
she thought. She leaned her head back into the water and closed her eyes.
"MAKINO!"
She was jolted out of her reverie by a very impatient voice at the door of
the bathroom.
"YOU'VE BEEN IN THERE FOR 30 minutes!"
"I am coming hold on a second." She shut the water off. "Ugh. He is always
so impatient," she thought as she dried herself off, then put on her
pajamas. She staggered a bit as her tiredness made itself known. "I hope
that I can keep myself awake tonight. This is the first night we've been
able to do something in a week. Ouch!" She looked at her foot, where a
blister was beginning to form. She limped over to the door and opened it.
Tsukasa stood in the doorway looking very annoyed.
"Finally you're out. Come here." He took her hand and led her over to the
bed. "Lie down" He said in his characteristic commanding voice.
"Why?"
"What do you mean why? Just lie down!" Tsukasa grabbed her and yanked her
down so she was lying on the fluffy white pillows. Makino absolutely loved
his bed. It was covered with the softest white pillows and down comforter
and smelled like his cologne. Being surrounded by his scent always made her
feel very safe and relaxed. Immediately her eyes began to droop.
"Domyoji, I should really get up, I am going to fall asleep before we even
get to talk or watch the movie, and I still need to go home later and make a
box lunch for..." Her rambling stopped suddenly as she felt her feet being
raised and laid on a pillow. "That feels nice," she whispered, getting
sleepier.
Tsukasa looked closely at her feet. He looked at her sleepy face
thoughtfully for a moment, then very tentatively picked up one of her feet.
Tsukasa slowly began to massage it. Tsukushi's eyes shot open in surprise.
"What are you doing? Um, you don't need to do that, you should probably
just stop. I am not tired anyway, I am going to get up now," she feebly
tried to sit up. He pushed her back down and gave her a stern look, and
continued massaging her foot. It felt so good. Tsukushi didn't have the energy to
try and protest, so she lay back down on the pillows. "How was your day?"
"Fine. They used the Domyoji Corporation as an example in class today, so
of course I had to give a talk about how we are the greatest corporation in
the world." He laughed. "And I got to show off how great I am, because I am
going to be the president in a couple years," he laughed again, very loudly
and Makino just looked at him with an incredulous look on her face. Even
after all this time, he still had the same bursting confidence and arrogance
that made her fall in love with him. Tsukasa was a business major at Eitoku
University and the head of his class. If there was anything Domyoji Tsukasa
was good at, it was taking over the business world. His aggressiveness and
charm made him an instant success and as usual, the source of many crushes
at Eitoku University. Luckily, it was common knowledge where his affections
lay.
"Baka….Hey, that tickles! Stop! Domyoji!" Somehow he had gone from
massaging her foot to tickling it mercilessly. She was writhing about,
laughing her head off, and he chuckled as he began to massage her foot
again.
"Who are you calling a baka? Huh?" She was still laughing in to the pillow.
"You were falling asleep on me, I had to do something!" Her response was to
throw a couple of his pillows at his head. "Lets watch that movie, sound
good?"
"Sure" He popped the movie into the VCR, and settled down on the pillows
with her. She immediately leaned her head against his shoulder. He smiled
down at her and said "Don't fall asleep on me Makino, or I'll be forced to
tickle you again." He threatened.
"I won't, I won't! So what movie are we watching?"
He scowled. "I rented Sense and Sensibility, like you asked. Why do I have
to watch this silly movie?'
"Because you need romantic pointers."
"I NEED romantic pointers? Listen you…” He realized she was joking when
he saw her face contort from trying too hard not to laugh. "I'll have you
know I am the KING of romance."
"Riiiighhhhhhht…"
"You don't believe me? What about the Saturn necklace? And the time I came
to get you from those thugs? Romance? I am the best! Women fall for me by
just looking at me! You should consider yourself lucky!"
"OH YEAH? What about the time you made fun of me on the boat when I
accidentally kissed you? And all the times I high school when you said I was
a poor virgin girl, even though you liked me?"
"Well, I redeemed myself that time in the snow when I came to get you when
you were half frozen didn't I? You know, I ruined my snowmobile doing
that…You owe me money!"
"Why You! Ok, well I have another one. What about that time you grabbed
Shigeru instead of me? I could've died with embarrassment, you baka!"
"I was confused and traumatized! Imagine being forcibly told that this is
your fiancée right in front of the girl that you love? And anyway, you were
pretty stubborn that time, when I tried to explain! You kicked me in the
stomach! In fact you've kicked me a bunch of times before and during our
relationship! You know, I deserve an apology and a huge bunch of kisses for
that!"
"Kisses! That reminds me, you always kissed me without asking! You
didn't give me a chance to think about it, you just did it!"
"Well if you thought about it too much, we would never have gotten anywhere!
And I can't believe you didn't stay with me in my room the night that I
saved you after you got beat up because of Sakurako! I had straight hair
and everything! And I KNOW how much you love my straight hair."
"You and your straight hair!" Tsukushi looked thoughtful "Oh yeah, it was
cute when you straightened your hair for me the first time, after I told you
I hated everything about you. But then it curled right as I was
complimenting you! You're face was soooo funny!" Tsukushi said as she
giggled, remembering.
"It took me three hours to get my hair like that! See the lengths I go to
for you? I knew you loved my straight hair! How did you resist me the night
of our first kiss? Must have been hard..." Tsukasa grinned
"It was not! You wish!" Tsukushi said, turning a fiery shade of red.
"Makino, don't lie to me!" Tsukasa waved a finger in her face " You know you
thought I was hot!"
"Ughhhh, you baka!" Tsukushi hit him with one of the pillows then crossed
her arms and looked away, blushing deeply.
"I know what was one of the best and most romantic things I ever did!"
Tsukasa said, leaning towards her "When I ran after the bus that you were
on while we were still broken up! I ran for 6 blocks! I was so tired! You
know, you could've gotten off a little sooner…"
"But after that I got arrested! You called the police on me to find me!"
"You were no where to be found! All right, here's another example of how
romantic I am. I was the first person to show you the beauty of the stars!"
"You were still so scary then, I thought that the telescope was a bazooka!"
"How about when I moved in next door to your apartment to protect you! And
I even went to the Sentou with you. You know, I was kind of disappointed it
wasn't as public as I thought it would be. We could've taken a bath
together." Tsukasa said, staring into space thoughtfully.
"What? Why you! You were so embarrassing that day, I could hear your whole
conversation on the women's side of the bath! You and Susumu talking about
how great your body is!"
"See! You think my body is great don't you? Well, of course I am sexy. I
am Domyoji Tsukasa!" Tsukasa placed his hand over his chest and gave her a
sly grin "Makino, you were always thinking ecchi things about me! Like on
the boat, when you mistook my saying about the 'open knee conversation'.
What were you thinking anyway?"
"I wasn't thinking anything! You…You…" She stammered blushing.
"See?"
"Well, I'll have you know..."
Suddenly, Tsukasa putting his hand over her mouth interrupted her tirade.
"…" Silence ensued. They sat there staring at each other. Tsukasa slowly
removed his hand from her mouth, suddenly looking at her with very regretful
eyes, "Hey Makino, you know I didn't mean any of those terrible things I
ever said and did, right?" He said quietly. "I loved you. I never thought
that you were ugly or stupid. I respected you even though I didn't show
it…I…"
Tsukushi realized that at some point their teasing had touched a tender spot
in Tsukasa's heart. She knew that he still felt guilty about things that had
happened between them in the past. She still had some of those regretful
feelings too. Tsukushi sat up and moved toward him, cupping his face in her
hands "I know you didn't mean those things that you did. I wasn't perfect
either… And I know that you love me. I love you too. I just wanted to
tease you, but that went a little too far. I'm sorry." She whispered, then
kissed him passionately on the lips. Tsukasa responded by putting his arms
around her waist and pulling her close, moaning a little and deepening their
kiss. After a while, their lips parted, and they hugged each other close,
Tsukushi burying her face in his neck, while Tsukasa buried his face in her
hair.
"Let's watch the movie?" Tsukasa mumbled.
"Ok" Tsukushi moved out of his embrace and lay back down on the pillows.
Tsukasa turned on the VCR with the remote, then sat back again. She snuggled
in next to him and laid her head against his chest, yawning sleepily as the
movie started.
Sometime halfway through the movie, Tsukasa realized Tsukushi was sound
asleep. Actually, he realized this because she was snoring. He poked her
and said, "Makino, You're snoring, cut it out!"
Her response was to mumble, "Not now Susumu, I haven't gotten much sleep
cause I had a final last night. There's some money in my purse, you can go
ahead and buy lunch today…"
Tsukasa looked at her lovingly, and then covered her with the covers and
stood up. He stood there for along time just thinking about her, and
watching her sleep.
"She looks cute sleeping," He whispered as he watched her roll onto her
stomach and bury her face into the pillow. He knelt down and whispered to
her as he combed his fingers through her hair. "Baka, you always work so
hard, and make me crazy from worry for you. One day you're going to work
yourself to death. And you'll never let me help you, even though I always
want to make everything easier for you because you have so many depending on
you. It's your strength, but also wears you thin. I always want to take
care of you…but you won't let me."
Tsukasa understood why she wouldn't let him pay for everything and make life
easier, and he loved her and respected her all the more for it. Still, when
he saw her come home battered and worn from working and school, and taking
care of Susumu and her parents and the myriad of friends that always needed
her attention, he couldn't help but feel worried for her and protective of
her. He sighed and gently pressed his hand to her cheek. She responded
sleepily by moaning a little and leaning her face into his hand
"Just sleep, I'll be right back" he said kissing her on the forehead. He
picked up his cell phone, straightened up and walked out into the hallway."
"Moshi-moshi?"
"Susumu."
"Hi Domyoji-san! I was just about to call you, is my sister over there?"
"Yes, she is. I am going to have her stay the night cause she is really
tired. Do you need a box lunch tomorrow? "
"Yes, but I don't; have any money…"
"I'll have my cook bring something to you tomorrow morning. Go stay at your
parents house tonight, so you won't be alone" he said brusquely. He would
never admit it to anyone but he thought of Susumu as a little brother.
"Thanks Domyoji-san. Oh and could you please make sure my sister eats
something? Lately she comes home late and doesn't eat dinner because she
goes right to sleep. I am not surprised she fell asleep this early, she has
been doing this for a week!"
Tsukasa's mouth opened in surprise "Really?" He asked Susumu, sounding
upset. "How much sleep has she been getting?"
"Probably only about 5 or 6 hours a night…she has been really busy with her
jobs."
"Arigato Susumu, I will make sure she eats something. Now go call your
parents. Sayonara."
"Sayonara, Domyoji-san, thanks again!" Susumu's voice echoed cheerfully
through the phone.
After hanging up the phone, Tsukasa scowled. "Makino," he muttered in an
angry voice. "If you don't take care of yourself you'll make you're self
sick." He walked back into the room and sat on the bed next to his sleeping
girlfriend. He sat there for a long time and thought about how much he
loved her, and how much he needed her in his life. He also thought about
how much he wanted to see her happy, and cared for. In the midst of all
those thoughts, and reminiscences, he made a decision.
End flashback
"Soujiro, he is still staring into space."
"Ugh, he always does this. HELLOOOOOOO!" Soujiro waved a hand in front of
Tsukasa's eyes. "Anyone home?" He turned to Akira "Maybe he is imagining
Makino naked."
"Makino."
"Domyoji."
"Make love to me!" Akira squealed and laughed, as Soujiro rolled around on
the grass clutching his waist. "That must be what he is imagining." The act
was cut short when an extremely angry Tsukasa bent down and grabbed his
collar, growling "WHAT WAS THAT?"
"Oops, nothing, um sorry, you were saying."
"I just decided to do it, that's all. Felt it was the right time."
They looked at him quizzically. "There has to be more to it then that"
Soujiro thought, "You were out of it for like 10 minutes."
"Ok." he said in a out loud, detaching himself from Tsukasa's grip. "What
are you planning to do?"
Tsukasa looked at him and grinned "Here's the plan..."
AN: To Be Continued...
A Hana Yori Dango Fanfiction
By Maho-chan
It's finally time for Tsukasa to propose to Tsukushi and everyone wants to be a part of his plans! How will Tsukasa propose?
Originally posted on the Hana Yori Dango Mailing List on December 30, 2000. This is the first HYD fanfiction I wrote. It is unfinished right now, but rest assured, I intend to finish it.
AN (5/5/06): Hi ! This Fanfiction has several spoilers in it, for the anime episodes: 3, 6, 7, 17, 28, 29, 32, 35, 37, 38 and manga volumes: 21, 26, 27.
Enjoy and please review and let me know what you think!
(10/30/00) Thanks to Rita for editing and posting this for me the Hana Yori Dango Project and HYDML!
Disclaimer: I don’t own Hana Yori Dango, of course! Kamio-sensei does and she’s the best!
The Engagement
A Hana Yori Dango Fanfiction
By Maho-chan
Chapter 1
"You're gonna what?" Soujiro's voice echoed through the courtyard of Eitoku
University. Akira just stood close by shaking his head.
"Keep it down, will ya? Yes I am going to do it, what is your problem?"
Tsukasa hissed at him angrily. "It's a good time to do it, I almost done
with my major and in a couple of years she will be too!"
"BUT MARRIAGE?" Soujiro yelled, eyes bugging out. "I can't believe this, you
two getting married? She's only nineteen and you're only twenty-one! You
fight all the time! And she is your first girlfriend! Don't you know how to
play the field?" Several students walking by looked perturbed at seeing
such a handsome guy hyperventilating and yelling up a storm…then stopped
looking and hurried by as they got a warning look from Tsukasa. Akira just
looked green, and kept shaking his head and muttering to himself.
"YES MARRIAGE, do you mind not screaming it around school?
I am trying to keep it a secret until I ask her!" Tsukasa said.
"Anyways, I don't plan on getting married until I am out of college, but she's the one I want,
and so I am going to ask her! I don't want to wait another minute! And anyways, we fight because we get along that way.
And besides, why should I play the field when I know that she is the one for me? We've been together three years."
Tsukasa's voice lowered to a whisper, as he looked away. "And after what my mother has done in the past to keep us apart,
I don't ever want to be away from her again."
Akira finally spoke up, looking a lot less greener than a few seconds ago.
"Tsukasa, we understand that, we are just a little shocked to imagine you
and Makino MARRIED. But if that is what you want to do, we'll help you out.
When did you decide this anyways?"
"A couple of nights ago." Tsukasa said, blushing.
"EHHH? Nights? What have you two been doing that you haven't been telling me, huh?"
Being confronted with a subject that Soujiro was extremely
interested and expert in made him excited, besides the fact that he had been
waiting for Tsukasa to finally get Makino into bed for three years. He
stopped hyperventilating and was now looking at Tsukasa with extreme interest.
"Sounds like you and Makino have been doing quite well! And here we thought
you two were still at first base!" Akira high-fived Soujiro. "FINALLY!" they
both exclaimed.
"Huh?" Tsukasa looked at them blankly. "Base? Makino doesn't know how to
play baseball. Why would we do that anyways?"
A sweat drop the size of a small bucket formed on Soujiro's brow "Never
mind." he sighed. "So how are you going to ask her? Do you have the ring
yet?"
"Yeah, let me get it out" Tsukasa fumbled in his pocket for a bit and pulled
out a little black velvet box. He opened it to reveal a very delicate gold
ring with a beautiful diamond in the shape of a heart in the center. "I got
it from Tama, she gave it to me to a year ago to give to Tsukushi. It was
my grandmother's. When she died, she gave it to Tama for safekeeping.
Apparently my grandparents were a lot like me and Tsukushi, they fought a
lot, but really loved each other….." he mused. "Anyway, I got it sized for
Makino's hand last week…"
Akira and Soujiro looked down at the ring "It's beautiful" Akira said
quietly. "By the way, what made you decide to ask her now?"
Tsukasa suddenly looked blank, remembering.
Flashback
"Makino, you're late! Where are you ?" Tsukasa shouted into his cell
phone. "I've been waiting for you for an hour and a half!"
"Baka! I am at work still, they kept me overtime…gomen…Still you don't
have to yell at me!" Tsukushi shouted back.
"I was worried about you! Next time call me when you're going to be late"
he said in a quieter voice. After three years, Tsukushi still had the habit
of forgetting to call or leave notes when she was going to be late or out,
which was always a source of worry for Tsukasa.
"I am sorry, it was just really busy at the restaurant." Tsukushi was a law
major at Tokyo University and worked two jobs to put herself through
college. One of those was at a restaurant as a waitress." I am coming over
now; do you still want to watch a movie? Aren't the SPs still lurking around
the house?"
"Yeah, come on over. I'll come let you in by the back gate near the hedge.
They never patrol over there. How was your night?" Tsukasa asked.
"Pretty bad, we had a lot of mix ups and rude customers. And I am so tired!
I wanted to at least change, but I guess I will just have to come over in
these clothes."
"I don't care what you wear, just get here soon!"
"Alright, alright…be there in about 20 minutes"
Click
Tsukasa went out in to the yard and sat on a bench near the large hedge by
the back gate. He stretched his long legs out and looked up at the stars.
The grass felt cool underneath his bare feet. He was lost in his thoughts,
when he felt and saw two hands come up over his eyes.
"Hey" Makino whispered her breath warm against his very sensitive ear.
Tsukasa immediately turned bright red and turned towards her, startled.
Makino giggled at the look on his face and said, "You are sensitive on your
ear!"
Tsukasa blushed a deeper red, then quickly stood. He took her by the hand
and started to lead her toward the house, gruffly saying, "Baka, let's go
inside, it's cold."
"Ok." Tsukushi smiled amusedly at him, then winced from the achiness in her
feet. Tsukasa noticed this and after a couple of steps, he picked her up in
his arms and began carrying her.
"Hey stop that, I can walk on my own! Let me down!" Tsukushi stammered,
blushing. After three years of dating, the nervousness and most of the
miscommunications in their relationship were gone, replaced by much better
methods of communication. However Tsukasa still had the ability to surprise
Tsukushi in myriad of ways and in true Tsukushi fashion, she still had the
habit of getting embarrassed and flustered.
"Idiot, you were limping. What happened tonight anyway? And by the way you
smell funny." Tsukasa winced as he received a large smack behind his head.
"I was on my feet for 6 hours and my feet hurt really bad. Plus, I smell
funny because I work in a fish restaurant! I wanted to take a bath before I
came, but they kept me late! And someone dropped a bunch of plates and
broke them, so we spent an hour cleaning up the mess."
"Makino, why do you work in such a place? You're always tired and getting
hurt from working there. You should get a better job." They were drawing
closer to the balcony. Tsukushi leaned her head against his shoulder and
closed her eyes. She was so tired.
"I need the money that's why. You know I don't have a lot of money to
spend, and I still have to support Susumu. Also, my university scholarships
don't cover the amount it costs to live in my apartment. So I need to work
as much as I can. It will just be for a little while longer, I hope." The
feeling of warmth from Tsukasa's arms was making her very sleepy.
"I hope so, too." Tsukasa thought as he kissed the top of her head, "I worry
about you." He kept walking towards the house.
"We're here, just need to climb up, can you make it?"
"Yeah."
Tsukasa gently put her down and helped her climb up onto the balcony. He
climbed up himself and led her into his room. "Do you want to take a shower
here? You can use my bathroom. I think some of your pajamas are still here
someplace."
"Ok, then lets watch that movie you rented. I'll be out in a sec." Tsukushi
disappeared into the bathroom with her clothes and the fluffy towel Tsukasa
handed her.
Tsukushi quickly got undressed, turned on the shower, and stepped inside.
The warm water and steam felt wonderful to Tsukushi's tired body. She washed
her hair and just basked in the warmth of the shower. "This feels so good,"
she thought. She leaned her head back into the water and closed her eyes.
"MAKINO!"
She was jolted out of her reverie by a very impatient voice at the door of
the bathroom.
"YOU'VE BEEN IN THERE FOR 30 minutes!"
"I am coming hold on a second." She shut the water off. "Ugh. He is always
so impatient," she thought as she dried herself off, then put on her
pajamas. She staggered a bit as her tiredness made itself known. "I hope
that I can keep myself awake tonight. This is the first night we've been
able to do something in a week. Ouch!" She looked at her foot, where a
blister was beginning to form. She limped over to the door and opened it.
Tsukasa stood in the doorway looking very annoyed.
"Finally you're out. Come here." He took her hand and led her over to the
bed. "Lie down" He said in his characteristic commanding voice.
"Why?"
"What do you mean why? Just lie down!" Tsukasa grabbed her and yanked her
down so she was lying on the fluffy white pillows. Makino absolutely loved
his bed. It was covered with the softest white pillows and down comforter
and smelled like his cologne. Being surrounded by his scent always made her
feel very safe and relaxed. Immediately her eyes began to droop.
"Domyoji, I should really get up, I am going to fall asleep before we even
get to talk or watch the movie, and I still need to go home later and make a
box lunch for..." Her rambling stopped suddenly as she felt her feet being
raised and laid on a pillow. "That feels nice," she whispered, getting
sleepier.
Tsukasa looked closely at her feet. He looked at her sleepy face
thoughtfully for a moment, then very tentatively picked up one of her feet.
Tsukasa slowly began to massage it. Tsukushi's eyes shot open in surprise.
"What are you doing? Um, you don't need to do that, you should probably
just stop. I am not tired anyway, I am going to get up now," she feebly
tried to sit up. He pushed her back down and gave her a stern look, and
continued massaging her foot. It felt so good. Tsukushi didn't have the energy to
try and protest, so she lay back down on the pillows. "How was your day?"
"Fine. They used the Domyoji Corporation as an example in class today, so
of course I had to give a talk about how we are the greatest corporation in
the world." He laughed. "And I got to show off how great I am, because I am
going to be the president in a couple years," he laughed again, very loudly
and Makino just looked at him with an incredulous look on her face. Even
after all this time, he still had the same bursting confidence and arrogance
that made her fall in love with him. Tsukasa was a business major at Eitoku
University and the head of his class. If there was anything Domyoji Tsukasa
was good at, it was taking over the business world. His aggressiveness and
charm made him an instant success and as usual, the source of many crushes
at Eitoku University. Luckily, it was common knowledge where his affections
lay.
"Baka….Hey, that tickles! Stop! Domyoji!" Somehow he had gone from
massaging her foot to tickling it mercilessly. She was writhing about,
laughing her head off, and he chuckled as he began to massage her foot
again.
"Who are you calling a baka? Huh?" She was still laughing in to the pillow.
"You were falling asleep on me, I had to do something!" Her response was to
throw a couple of his pillows at his head. "Lets watch that movie, sound
good?"
"Sure" He popped the movie into the VCR, and settled down on the pillows
with her. She immediately leaned her head against his shoulder. He smiled
down at her and said "Don't fall asleep on me Makino, or I'll be forced to
tickle you again." He threatened.
"I won't, I won't! So what movie are we watching?"
He scowled. "I rented Sense and Sensibility, like you asked. Why do I have
to watch this silly movie?'
"Because you need romantic pointers."
"I NEED romantic pointers? Listen you…” He realized she was joking when
he saw her face contort from trying too hard not to laugh. "I'll have you
know I am the KING of romance."
"Riiiighhhhhhht…"
"You don't believe me? What about the Saturn necklace? And the time I came
to get you from those thugs? Romance? I am the best! Women fall for me by
just looking at me! You should consider yourself lucky!"
"OH YEAH? What about the time you made fun of me on the boat when I
accidentally kissed you? And all the times I high school when you said I was
a poor virgin girl, even though you liked me?"
"Well, I redeemed myself that time in the snow when I came to get you when
you were half frozen didn't I? You know, I ruined my snowmobile doing
that…You owe me money!"
"Why You! Ok, well I have another one. What about that time you grabbed
Shigeru instead of me? I could've died with embarrassment, you baka!"
"I was confused and traumatized! Imagine being forcibly told that this is
your fiancée right in front of the girl that you love? And anyway, you were
pretty stubborn that time, when I tried to explain! You kicked me in the
stomach! In fact you've kicked me a bunch of times before and during our
relationship! You know, I deserve an apology and a huge bunch of kisses for
that!"
"Kisses! That reminds me, you always kissed me without asking! You
didn't give me a chance to think about it, you just did it!"
"Well if you thought about it too much, we would never have gotten anywhere!
And I can't believe you didn't stay with me in my room the night that I
saved you after you got beat up because of Sakurako! I had straight hair
and everything! And I KNOW how much you love my straight hair."
"You and your straight hair!" Tsukushi looked thoughtful "Oh yeah, it was
cute when you straightened your hair for me the first time, after I told you
I hated everything about you. But then it curled right as I was
complimenting you! You're face was soooo funny!" Tsukushi said as she
giggled, remembering.
"It took me three hours to get my hair like that! See the lengths I go to
for you? I knew you loved my straight hair! How did you resist me the night
of our first kiss? Must have been hard..." Tsukasa grinned
"It was not! You wish!" Tsukushi said, turning a fiery shade of red.
"Makino, don't lie to me!" Tsukasa waved a finger in her face " You know you
thought I was hot!"
"Ughhhh, you baka!" Tsukushi hit him with one of the pillows then crossed
her arms and looked away, blushing deeply.
"I know what was one of the best and most romantic things I ever did!"
Tsukasa said, leaning towards her "When I ran after the bus that you were
on while we were still broken up! I ran for 6 blocks! I was so tired! You
know, you could've gotten off a little sooner…"
"But after that I got arrested! You called the police on me to find me!"
"You were no where to be found! All right, here's another example of how
romantic I am. I was the first person to show you the beauty of the stars!"
"You were still so scary then, I thought that the telescope was a bazooka!"
"How about when I moved in next door to your apartment to protect you! And
I even went to the Sentou with you. You know, I was kind of disappointed it
wasn't as public as I thought it would be. We could've taken a bath
together." Tsukasa said, staring into space thoughtfully.
"What? Why you! You were so embarrassing that day, I could hear your whole
conversation on the women's side of the bath! You and Susumu talking about
how great your body is!"
"See! You think my body is great don't you? Well, of course I am sexy. I
am Domyoji Tsukasa!" Tsukasa placed his hand over his chest and gave her a
sly grin "Makino, you were always thinking ecchi things about me! Like on
the boat, when you mistook my saying about the 'open knee conversation'.
What were you thinking anyway?"
"I wasn't thinking anything! You…You…" She stammered blushing.
"See?"
"Well, I'll have you know..."
Suddenly, Tsukasa putting his hand over her mouth interrupted her tirade.
"…" Silence ensued. They sat there staring at each other. Tsukasa slowly
removed his hand from her mouth, suddenly looking at her with very regretful
eyes, "Hey Makino, you know I didn't mean any of those terrible things I
ever said and did, right?" He said quietly. "I loved you. I never thought
that you were ugly or stupid. I respected you even though I didn't show
it…I…"
Tsukushi realized that at some point their teasing had touched a tender spot
in Tsukasa's heart. She knew that he still felt guilty about things that had
happened between them in the past. She still had some of those regretful
feelings too. Tsukushi sat up and moved toward him, cupping his face in her
hands "I know you didn't mean those things that you did. I wasn't perfect
either… And I know that you love me. I love you too. I just wanted to
tease you, but that went a little too far. I'm sorry." She whispered, then
kissed him passionately on the lips. Tsukasa responded by putting his arms
around her waist and pulling her close, moaning a little and deepening their
kiss. After a while, their lips parted, and they hugged each other close,
Tsukushi burying her face in his neck, while Tsukasa buried his face in her
hair.
"Let's watch the movie?" Tsukasa mumbled.
"Ok" Tsukushi moved out of his embrace and lay back down on the pillows.
Tsukasa turned on the VCR with the remote, then sat back again. She snuggled
in next to him and laid her head against his chest, yawning sleepily as the
movie started.
Sometime halfway through the movie, Tsukasa realized Tsukushi was sound
asleep. Actually, he realized this because she was snoring. He poked her
and said, "Makino, You're snoring, cut it out!"
Her response was to mumble, "Not now Susumu, I haven't gotten much sleep
cause I had a final last night. There's some money in my purse, you can go
ahead and buy lunch today…"
Tsukasa looked at her lovingly, and then covered her with the covers and
stood up. He stood there for along time just thinking about her, and
watching her sleep.
"She looks cute sleeping," He whispered as he watched her roll onto her
stomach and bury her face into the pillow. He knelt down and whispered to
her as he combed his fingers through her hair. "Baka, you always work so
hard, and make me crazy from worry for you. One day you're going to work
yourself to death. And you'll never let me help you, even though I always
want to make everything easier for you because you have so many depending on
you. It's your strength, but also wears you thin. I always want to take
care of you…but you won't let me."
Tsukasa understood why she wouldn't let him pay for everything and make life
easier, and he loved her and respected her all the more for it. Still, when
he saw her come home battered and worn from working and school, and taking
care of Susumu and her parents and the myriad of friends that always needed
her attention, he couldn't help but feel worried for her and protective of
her. He sighed and gently pressed his hand to her cheek. She responded
sleepily by moaning a little and leaning her face into his hand
"Just sleep, I'll be right back" he said kissing her on the forehead. He
picked up his cell phone, straightened up and walked out into the hallway."
"Moshi-moshi?"
"Susumu."
"Hi Domyoji-san! I was just about to call you, is my sister over there?"
"Yes, she is. I am going to have her stay the night cause she is really
tired. Do you need a box lunch tomorrow? "
"Yes, but I don't; have any money…"
"I'll have my cook bring something to you tomorrow morning. Go stay at your
parents house tonight, so you won't be alone" he said brusquely. He would
never admit it to anyone but he thought of Susumu as a little brother.
"Thanks Domyoji-san. Oh and could you please make sure my sister eats
something? Lately she comes home late and doesn't eat dinner because she
goes right to sleep. I am not surprised she fell asleep this early, she has
been doing this for a week!"
Tsukasa's mouth opened in surprise "Really?" He asked Susumu, sounding
upset. "How much sleep has she been getting?"
"Probably only about 5 or 6 hours a night…she has been really busy with her
jobs."
"Arigato Susumu, I will make sure she eats something. Now go call your
parents. Sayonara."
"Sayonara, Domyoji-san, thanks again!" Susumu's voice echoed cheerfully
through the phone.
After hanging up the phone, Tsukasa scowled. "Makino," he muttered in an
angry voice. "If you don't take care of yourself you'll make you're self
sick." He walked back into the room and sat on the bed next to his sleeping
girlfriend. He sat there for a long time and thought about how much he
loved her, and how much he needed her in his life. He also thought about
how much he wanted to see her happy, and cared for. In the midst of all
those thoughts, and reminiscences, he made a decision.
End flashback
"Soujiro, he is still staring into space."
"Ugh, he always does this. HELLOOOOOOO!" Soujiro waved a hand in front of
Tsukasa's eyes. "Anyone home?" He turned to Akira "Maybe he is imagining
Makino naked."
"Makino."
"Domyoji."
"Make love to me!" Akira squealed and laughed, as Soujiro rolled around on
the grass clutching his waist. "That must be what he is imagining." The act
was cut short when an extremely angry Tsukasa bent down and grabbed his
collar, growling "WHAT WAS THAT?"
"Oops, nothing, um sorry, you were saying."
"I just decided to do it, that's all. Felt it was the right time."
They looked at him quizzically. "There has to be more to it then that"
Soujiro thought, "You were out of it for like 10 minutes."
"Ok." he said in a out loud, detaching himself from Tsukasa's grip. "What
are you planning to do?"
Tsukasa looked at him and grinned "Here's the plan..."
AN: To Be Continued...