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Tomorrow
A Hana Yori Dango Fanfiction
By Maho-chan
Tsukasa is taken hostage by his mother and the SPs. Desperate to see him again, Tsukushi sets off on a journey to find him.
Part 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Hana Yori Dango.
(Original AN from 2001): Based on events from Margaret 3/4 2001. Thanks to Rita for editing, encouragement and suggestions! Spoiler alert: Episode 32 of the anime and Manga vol. 19.
AN (9/19/06): Tomorrow, part two has been re-edited, revised and reformatted from the original version I posted in 2001 on the Hana Yori Dango Mailing List. Changes include a name change for one of the side characters. As always, I hope you enjoy reading this story. Please let me know if you do. :)
Tomorrow
A Hana Yori Dango Fanfiction
By Maho-chan
Part 2
Edinburgh, Scotland
November 9, 2001
10:45 pm
All of it was meaningless.
Without her.
Tsukasa stared morosely out the huge window into the courtyard behind the Domyoji house. In the daylight it was a beautiful garden, with a sprawling grove of oak trees, large Grecian statues, and a cobble patio complete with stone benches. He had spent many an hour simply looking out this window, staring at what would have been a romantic setting, if he had Makino with him under different circumstances.
But he didn't have her with him, and instead of romantic, it was simply another part of a carefully created prison, made with bars of wealth and power, conceived from his mothers will to keep them apart.
Tsukasa continued to stare, confronted by the torrent of rain pouring into the garden. The gloominess mirrored his emotions. He splayed his hand out against the window, pressing his forehead against the glass.
"I miss you," he said to the darkness outside. It had been months since he had seen Tsukushi and had held her in his arms. The days had become torture, as he was forced to live like a prisoner in his own home, forced to submit to his mother's orders.
His mother and the new henchmen she had sent after him…
Tsukasa's hand clenched into a fist as he thought about the danger that Tsukushi was in.
If they lay a hand on her, if they hurt her…I WILL kill them...
Tsukasa thought angrily, barely able to keep his control.
They wouldn't be able to keep me from her, if it weren't for the threats…
December 17, 2000
San Francisco, CA
Maple Hotel
"What exactly does the old lady want with me? And who are you people?" Tsukasa glowered at the crowd of suited men that surrounded him, then stood and grabbed one by the neck, attempting to force him to speak.
Silence.
The man calmly looked at him and then with very strong fingers detached himself from Tsukasa's grip. Looking unaffected, the man reseated himself in his chair.
What is going on here?
Tsukasa looked around him with growing apprehension.
Makino.
There was danger in this new situation, something he had not expected. Tsukasa looked at the guards that surrounded him. Twenty-five men in gray suits were standing and or had seated themselves around him in the various chairs or on the bed, all with expressionless faces of stone. The guards were truly frightening in their similarity and stoicism…..all but one young Japanese man, in the very back of the room. Tsukasa looked at him with interest, attempting to avoid the chilling feeling that emanated from the cold stares of the other men around him. He watched the man look up at him in nervousness, and then look away guiltily. Tsukasa continued to stare, giving him his angriest look, trying to find some way to outlet his anger and fear. Suddenly, a slight creaking resounded throughout the otherwise quiet room, and all attention turned towards the door.
"Tsukasa-sama, please have a seat." A smooth voice said calmly. Turning towards the direction of the sound, Tsukasa found the voice belonged to a tall graying Japanese man with a chilling smile. The elderly man held out a chair and motioned towards it.
"I will not sit, damn you! What were you doing lurking around Makino's apartment?" Tsukasa shouted. "Why am I here? I am going back to Japan. This has gone too far, I demand to know what the old lady wants!"
Tsukasa furiously grabbed the man's lapels and shook him, raising him a foot off the ground. Shocked gasps filled the room as the men rose and surrounded Tsukasa, attempting to stop his assault.
"Sir!"
"Please put him down."
They all had strange, overly polite voices, as they implored him to stop. Looking into the man's eyes, Tsukasa realized that he was looking at him with amusement. Used to being feared, Tsukasa was taken aback by this reaction. He tightened his grip, causing the man to gasp a bit as the pressure on his collar restricted his breathing.
"Tsukasa-sama." The man still had that same controlled voice, even as his face turned red with the constriction of his throat. "If you do not put me down, I can guarantee that you will regret it. I believe we said we would have you come with us quietly. However, I suppose we didn't impress upon you the importance of this. Your Makino-san is being followed at this moment, and we won't do anything to harm her, as long as you cooperate."
Tsukasa's eyes widened in horror, as he slowly let the man go. Looking around the room, he was again confronted by the same stony faces.
Makino is being followed? The old lady must be desperate. And these new henchmen, there is something very wrong here…
Regaining his breath, the elderly man straightened his lapels, and continued on "My name is Fujihara. You are here because your mother feels you have too much freedom in Japan, which allows you to spend time with that worthless girl."
Tsukasa clenched his fists in anger and glared at Fujihara angrily.
Worth-less?
"We are here to keep an eye on you and make sure you follow your intended path. I have personally been working for you mother since you were small, removing obstacles out of your way to greatness. I am committed to that task, and will follow the president's current wishes to protect your future by separating you from that girl. I am sorry it has come to force, if only you had listened to her in the first place and placed your affections in more desirable ground.”
Fujihara absently looked at his watch and then continued.
“Well, what is done is done; this is now your new home. You will be enrolled in school here and will not return to Japan until we have taken care of Makino Tsukushi's future, removing this pebble from your path. These are your mother's orders, and I suggest that you get used to them. You will never see that poor insignificant girl ever again."
Insignificant? Pebble?
As those words sunk in, Tsukasa saw red.
How dare he insult Makino!
His heart beat faster as his anger rose.
No one insults Makino. NO ONE.
As Fujihara turned to leave, Tsukasa brought his arm back to punch him in the jaw. He was interrupted as Fujihara looked back, with another amused smile.
"And Tsukasa-sama, if you so much as step out of line, I have no reservations in informing my men in Japan that they are allowed to act. So if you want to protect your beloved Makino-san, I suggest you cooperate with us. I cannot begin to stress the seriousness of the situation. We are following her at all times and have been given orders to do what is necessary. She will be hurt if she attempts to get in the way again. Do I make myself clear?"
Taken aback, Tsukasa pondered Fujihara's words.
The most important person in my life.
A dull sickening ache crept slowly into his stomach.
I have to protect her, at all costs. Even if it means staying away from her…I can't let anything happen to her. This is my fault…my fault. I was the one who decided we would go on a real date, regardless of the circumstances.
Suddenly overcome with guilt, Tsukasa remembered another time, a different place, where she was in danger and his actions decided the outcome.
Fear clouded his judgment as he ran to the warehouse, clutching the lock of brown hair in his hand.
Makino.
The sinister creak of a door opening and closing, eyes adjusting to the darkness of the enormous room.
"He's here."
Where is she?
"Thanks for the invitation." Tsukasa said calmly, although his feeling of dread increased moment by moment.
Makino…
"So you finally made it, you're late."
"So let's get on with it. What do you want with me?"
Makino, where are you?
"Oh nothing too difficult, you just stand still and we will take care of everything." One of the kidnappers sneered at him, patting the head of a baseball bat menacingly. Warily, Tsukasa watched him, considering his options.
Suddenly, he heard her voice, shrill and afraid.
"Why did you come?" Makino's shout echoed throughout the warehouse. Her voice breaking, words accentuated with sobs "Why? You simple-minded idiot! Baka..."
The man in front of him moved aside at that moment, and Tsukasa's mind reeled as he saw her crouched on the ground behind one of the thugs, her blood staining the collar of her shirt.
No. Makino…NO!
He almost lost his control then, almost ran to her without thinking. But somehow he held onto his composure, realizing that every move in this dangerous game was critical to her safety.
Tsukasa watched numbly as one of the men grabbed Tsukushi's hair and pulled her head up, pointing a pair of scissors at her temple.
"If you make a wrong move, the bitch gets it with the scissors."
Tsukasa stared, paralyzed, seeing the tears shining in Tsukushi's huge brown eyes, watched her shake with fear. He was horrified at the sight of her bloody face, her scraped knees, the ropes binding her hands and feet. Her terrified eyes met his and he couldn't breathe. He never wanted her to look like that, to feel like that, ever again.
"Makino." Tsukasa's tone was even and controlled, while inside he was screaming. He wanted to pull her to her feet, cut the ties, carry her away in his arms and hold her. He wanted to make the fear go away, to make her eyes shine with laughter. He wanted to...
Protect her.
There was no question about his decision. Bracing himself for what was to come; Tsukasa looked into her eyes, and promised himself.
I will always protect you. I'll do anything. Anything. Don't look like that…Makino…My fault, all of it…I love you…
"Don't look at me with that beat up face Makino. Close your eyes."
It was this memory, which brought the understanding that once again, her safety was in his hands.
Never again.
Feeling the stares of the SPs boring into his back, Tsukasa considered his options. Slowly, he looked around the room and then at Fujihara before he spoke.
"I will not allow Makino to be hurt. Damn the old Bitch. For now I will cooperate, but know this, the second you hurt a hair on Makino's head, you die. That's a promise."
January 30, 2001
San Francisco
The Maple Hotel
"Domyoji." Her voice was a whisper, surrounding him in the darkness.
"Makino?" Tsukasa could feel her hair touch his face, feel the warmth of her skin and her arms hugging his neck. Her image swam before his eyes, as she pressed her lips to his…
"Tsukasa-sama." A deep voice penetrated the dream. "Tsukasa-sama."
The darkness faded, Tsukushi disappeared and suddenly the room was bright with sunlight, as Tsukasa awoke, and opened his eyes. Blinking a few times, he looked to the source of the voice, and found a familiar young Japanese man dressed in a black suit, looking down at him with a pleasant smile. Reality manifested itself in painful clarity.
Makino.
It had been another dream he desperately wanted to be real. His disappointment, gave way to very familiar feeling of anger, as he looked sleepily looked up at that smiling face.
Tsukasa scowled. "Who the hell are you? What do you want? Is it to threaten me some more? I thought that you idiots slept like normal people, but I guess I was wrong."
Sitting up in bed, he growled. "What are you doing here?"
Obviously taken aback, the man's pleasant smile faltered a bit with fear before he answered. "My name is Yoshida Hiroshi, Sir, and I have been appointed by Fujihara-san to be your personal assistant. You may call me Hiroshi." Attempting to look friendly but failing in his nervousness, Hiroshi's smile was nearly a grimace.
"You mean prison guard?" Tsukasa sneered cruelly. He watched as Hiroshi flinched, then attempted to regain his composure. Hiroshi turned away from Tsukasa to prepare the food, his voice wavering as he continued.
"Sir, I brought your breakfast, I thought you might like to go out and see San Francisco. We are close to Chinatown; we could do some sightseeing while we are here." Hiroshi nervously began to uncover the food, his hands a bit shaky.
"There is also Golden Gate Park, and Ghirardelli Square. Have you ever been on a Cable Car, sir? It is really an enjoyable experience." Plate after plate was uncovered, every possible breakfast food imaginable displayed on the large cart. "I wasn't sure what you wanted to eat, so we had the cooks prepare everything that we could think of for you to eat…it is about 11:00 right now, if you get ready, we can be out of the hotel by twelve…"
"Hiroshi."
"Yes Tsukasa-sama?"
"You have access to information don't you? I would like to know how Makino is doing."
"Sir, I cannot give you that information."
Tsukasa considered this for a moment, and then asked. "Why not?"
"I have been ordered not to mention her in your presence sir."
Tsukasa stared straight ahead, as his fury grew. "Hiroshi."
"Yes sir?"
"Go by yourself to Chinatown. If this is a prison, let's keep it that way, shall we? I am sure that would please my mother. You may leave."
Tsukasa rose quickly and walked into the bathroom, ignoring Hiroshi's stammering reply.
February 23, 2001
California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park
"Tsukasa-sama, where would you like to go to first? We have all day to explore the museum. We could check out the California Hall first, and then see the fish."
Tsukasa walked ahead of him impatiently into the foyer, with huge strides that left Hiroshi behind.
It had been months since he had seen Tsukushi, and his anger and frustration at the situation had metamorphosed into so many different emotions in that time. He was still livid at the SPs and his mother and did everything to thwart their feeble attempts to pacify him with social engagements and other activities. He continued to cooperate with them as each day dragged on and on and the longing for Tsukushi grew greater and greater.
The longing.
He had tried and tried to stay optimistic but as time went on, he couldn't help but feel…
Depressed.
He hated feeling helpless, out of control. Even if he was protecting her, even if it was for the best, he couldn't help but feel angry with himself for the situation they were in. And it was that guilt and anger which kept resurfacing…
Maybe if he hadn't gone with the SPs that night…
Or they hadn't been so obvious on their date…
If he had just been more careful…
How long would this continue? How long would he have to stay away from her? He just couldn't figure a way out; his mother had laid a truly cunning trap this time.
And now he was caught.
This feeling of helplessness was beginning to drive him mad. And it didn't help that he couldn't stop thinking of Tsukushi, not even for a moment. Couldn't stop yearning to hold her in his arms.
Tsukasa kept on walking, past children and parents, exhibits, and gift stores, not really caring what direction he was moving in. Looking back he saw that Hiroshi was just a step behind, trying to match Tsukasa's strides. Stopping in one of the darkened exhibit rooms, Tsukasa paused to let his eyes adjust.
Hiroshi caught up, and panting, inquired again, "What would you like to do first? Tsukasa-sama."
Damn Hiroshi. What the hell am I doing here?
Tsukasa replied angrily
"This is stupid, Hiroshi. Why do I have to come to this place full of kids and animals? So we can pretend this is all a fun vacation that I am on? What a joke. Let's not pretend that we are enjoying this, let’s just get it over with."
"Tsukasa-sama, I am sorry, but I was ordered to spend the day with you, and get you out of the hotel. Contrary to your beliefs, we do care about your well being."
"If you cared, you wouldn't be keeping me here with threats."
"Tsukasa-sama, as we said before, this is for your own good." Looking over, Tsukasa saw Hiroshi visibly flinch at the words "for your own good."
"Hiroshi, when are you going to stop fooling yourself?" Tsukasa muttered, giving him a sideways look.
"Pardon me?"
"You heard me, fooling yourself…into believing that you want to be doing this job…"
As Hiroshi stared at him aghast, Tsukasa's annoyance increased.
"Never mind Hiroshi." He spat out, looking away.
Always excuses, false words from everyone around him. He knew he wasn't the only one who saw through this whole façade of "For your own good."
It was obvious that Hiroshi knew.
But it didn't really matter, Hiroshi would continue play his part.
And so would he.
Resigned, Tsukasa simply began ignoring him, looking for a distraction, anything to escape Hiroshi's now defensive chatter. Gazing around, he beheld a huge golden pendulum swinging in the center of the large dark room. Images of planets and specimens of moon rocks surrounded him, and suddenly Tsukasa noticed something of interest.
Walking closer to the image of Saturn that adorned one of the exhibits, Tsukasa stopped and stared for a long time.
"Tsukasa-sama…Sir…"
Hiroshi's voice was distant as Tsukasa brought his fingers upwards to slowly trace the rings on the image, breathing deeply to stop the flood of emotion that welled up and threatened to overtake him once more.
In his minds eye, he could see the glitter of gold in a darkened room, could smell her hair…
Feel the softness of her kiss…
"Tsukasa-sama, what are you doing? Should we move on?" Hiroshi touched Tsukasa's shoulder, startling him.
Fingers poised in mid air, Tsukasa realized what he was doing and immediately shoved his hand in his pocket. Slowly he backed away from the picture with a longing expression on his face.
"Hai, let's go." Tsukasa muttered, hastily turning away from the image.
As he walked away, Tsukasa looked over his shoulder to take one more look at the image, the planet lit with an ethereal glow in the darkened room.
Everything reminds me of her.
Slow, heavy steps, Hiroshi's nervous chatter now a welcome distraction.
Everything.
March 17, 2001
The Maple Hotel
5th and Broadway
New York City
"Tsukasa, I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight. The daughter of the Narimatsu Corporation will be at the banquet. She is quite beautiful, and about your age. Definitely a suitable companion for you." Kaede said pleasantly, her sugary tones mingling with the clatter of her high heels on the polished marble floor.
Tsukasa glowered at the back of her head, trying to ignore every word she spoke.
Kaede continued on, her deceptively charming voice laced with a hint of a command.
"I will be discussing a possible match between the both of you in the near future, so you WILL be cordial and pleasant to this girl. I will not tolerate any more of your sulky and petulant behavior. You are not a child anymore Tsukasa, and it is time you realized your duty to your family and the bright future I have prepared for you. Do I make myself clear?"
Silence.
Only the thud of footsteps from Tsukasa and the guards that accompanied them answered Kaede's words.
Tsukasa had long given up speaking to his mother, nothing he said mattered, and nothing he did could change her mind. It was no use. In the beginning he had argued, he had raged at her every time they met. She had been taken aback by his furious words, had faltered and left him alone. But gradually, Kaede began to ignore his words and his anger, outwitting him with her cunning words, attacking his emotions, and his pride.
As much as he hated to admit it, she was beginning to break down his optimism, his beliefs. She was his mother, wasn't she the person he should be able look to for caring and love?
That she would show so little interest in his feelings and his happiness damaged him inside. Nothing mattered but money and status to her, not his happiness, not anyone else's happiness.
Disillusioned and wounded by her actions, Tsukasa did the only thing that worked in defense these days. He ignored her. Focusing in on getting through the night, he merely looked away as Kaede turned towards him, waiting for his reply. When none came, her seemingly pleasant smile metamorphosed into an angry frown. Her expression became calculated and cunning; as she pondered how to best get Tsukasa's attention.
Her next words caught him by complete surprise.
"Tsukasa, do you actually think that Makino-san really is waiting for you back in Japan? I am certain she has already found someone else; her fickle nature is so obvious to everyone except you. I don't know why you don't just accept that she isn't the right person for you. She hasn't done one thing to try and find you. No doubt when Makino-san realized that you were gone, she decided you really weren't worth all the trouble after all. In all this time, if she really cared, she would have contacted you. And not a word! Well, it's best you just forget her. She is not worthy of having anything to do with this family, that poor, insignificant girl…"
Tsukasa's heart pounded as he considered his mother's words. He had never considered this possibility before. Could she have forgotten him, felt as though he abandoned her? Would she so quickly lose faith in him? He had done anything and everything to win her trust and her love. But it was true, she hadn't contacted him, he hadn't heard anything from her.
Baka.
He scolded himself in his mind.
She loves me. I know that she does. She loves me…Makino wouldn't…
She wouldn't.
Kaede's words had finally touched a nerve. It was suddenly his greatest fear that Makino might not be waiting for him. That he had lost her again, by disappearing without an explanation.
Hurting her and losing her, had always been his only fears.
I couldn't lose her again.
Tsukasa stared blankly into his mother's eyes, not noticing how she smiled with delight at finally gaining his attention.
But what if it's true? What if Makino gave up on me? What if…
Doubt crept in, unbidden and unwelcome. Blinking a few times he tried to focus his eyes, to rein his emotions back under his control, and hide his vulnerability behind a scowl.
She gave up…
He gazed at his mother again, and upon seeing her triumphant smirk, all those doubts and fear were lost in the realization that this had been another careful attempt to break him.
An attempt that had failed, as another realization revived the strength and determination of his love for Tsukushi.
But what would it matter?
Straightening a bit, Tsukasa suddenly smiled.
Even if she did give up on me...
Kaede stared back at him, confused
I'd go to hell and back, no matter what the obstacles.
And Tsukasa smiled wider and said.
"It wouldn't matter if she wasn't waiting for me. I am waiting for her."
His mother visibly reeled, shaken by this sudden burst of optimism. Kaede's mouth opened and closed, as she feebly tried to think of some way to shake the assured smile that graced Tsukasa's face.
And then the crackling of the intercom and several frantic words broke the mood between them.
"Fujihara-san, Makino-san has been spotted at the entrance of the hotel, how should we proceed? Fujihara-san?"
It was Tsukasa's turn to be surprised.
She was here.
His heart swelled with love, and pride.
Makino.
As the guards suddenly restrained him and his mother shouted orders to Fujihara to have Tsukushi removed from the hotel, Tsukasa couldn't help but feel overjoyed.
She really came to find me. She loves me...
Tsukasa had always known that Tsukushi loved him, but in that moment, he realized how much. As he had promised to chase her to the ends of the earth, he realized that that promise was not his alone. There was nothing that could truly part them.
She would fight for him as he would for her.
She loves me...
Tsukasa barely noticed as his mother's henchmen began to drag him through the foyer. Looking around blearily, still in shock, Tsukasa finally saw Tsukushi for the first time in months.
Mesmerized, he stared at her, memorizing her every feature, his eyes shining with love. She was the same, face framed with soft tousled brown hair, eyes lit with fiery defiance. Clothed in a hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, she was everything he remembered and longed for all these months. He couldn't believe it, she was really here, and she had come for him. All he could think about in that moment was how he wanted to take her away, to another place and time, one without tyrannical mothers and secret police.
But these thoughts were short lived as he was reminded of where they were, and who stood in their way. Tsukasa was slowly being pulled in the direction of the doors, strong hands restricting him from running to her and pulling her into his arms. Looking to Tsukushi again, he was appalled to see that Fujihara and another guard were holding her arms and gripping her tightly, and that fear was mingled with the happiness in Tsukushi's expression.
Punching and kicking the SPs, Tsukasa shouted at her, his apprehension and concern for her safety overcoming him.
"Makino? How did you get here! What are you doing here? I thought…you idiot, I tried to protect you…why aren't you in Japan? Where are Soujiro, Akira and Rui? Listen Makino, you need to leave, this isn't safe…you don't know…"
Struggling against the henchmen, Tsukasa bellowed furiously.
"Let her go!"
As they dragged him out the door, his mother's cynical laughter filled the foyer. Tsukasa shouted at Kaede, resisting her and the SPs with all his might. Turning his head to look at Tsukushi, he saw her tears begin to fall. His heart constricted at the look in her eyes.
"Makino!" He roared, as tears formed in his eyes as well. A car pulled up in front of them, and as the door opened, rough hands shoved him into the limousine. His mother followed him inside, snidely requesting that he keep his voice down. He raged back at her, and as they began to argue, the sound of the radio resounded throughout the cab and interrupted them.
"Domyoji-sama, she got away from us…"
Tsukasa looked out the window and beheld Tsukushi desperately chasing the car, shouting his name. Pressing his hand to the window, he called back at her as the limousine accelerated, and her figure grew smaller and smaller as the distance between them grew.
"MAKINO!"
Present day
Scotland
10:45 pm
Lightning brightened the sky as the rumbling of thunder overhead shook him out of his reverie.
That was the last time he had seen or heard anything of her, Tsukasa realized painfully. But even though it had been fleeting, that one moment had fueled his optimism and determination, kept him from despairing for months to come.
Because even if he could not go to her…
He knew she would come to him.
And next time...
Tsukasa glared down at the garden below him.
Nothing would stand in their way.
(9/19/06) To be continued…