CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: A KENDO DANCE.
Her shallow panting fills the room doing nothing but making me hungrier and it takes everything in me to not take her again. Tucking her curls behind her ear I trail kisses down her neck to her shoulders.
"I think Asano-San's class may be over by now." I say and she chuckles, relaxing into my embrace
"Almost. If they were done Tomoki-Kun would've been here already." She replies casually with a shrug.
"Tomoki?" I question, my brows arching.
"We started here at the dojo around the same time and if he knows I'm here he would've showed up already."
"Has he been in your apartment too." I scowl and her brow arches, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"If I said yes?"
"Then I'd have to add him to my list."
"What list?"
"Men I have to kill." She laughs out loud, the movement causing her to shake in my arms.
"Then yes, He's been to my house." She says, a wide grin on her face. This brat. She's enjoying reading me isn't she.
"When?"
"About a year ago." My eyes snap to her. A year... "It was last year, once..." It couldn't be… Is he the bastard?
"I'm definitely going to kill him then." She laughs pressing her lips against mine before moving to stand up. She makes it off halfway before her legs give out and I catch her, helping her sit down before cleaning my mess that got on her.
"Sorry." I smirk with satisfaction and she sticks out her tongue playfully, rolling her eyes before a slight pout passed across her lips. Too cute.
"Don't worry. I wanted you too." Her eyes widen as the words leave her mouth. Did she just... She turned away avoiding my gaze and the warmth that filled me made me hard again. Fuck. She's too adorable.
"I-I meant that I wanted to... uhh... you know what I wanted! Help me get dressed." She pouts, getting up and attempting to get dressed without me. Helping her tie her trousers, her scent wafting around me. Hmm, she smells like me and I couldn't help but smile inwardly at the thought. Well, Shit. I suppose I am possessive. I don't think I've ever liked the thought of marking my woman before. I've never given my exes hickeys. And I've never really paid attention to their scent. Or the ones I leave on them. I stare down at the girl in front of me. Why am I so drawn to her? I've already come to terms with my fascination not only being that of a scientist and a rare specimen but as a man. I should see her as nothing but a student but in my eyes, all I see is a woman. A woman, that no matter how hard I try, I keep being pulled towards her. This attraction, I think I'll always seek and succumb to it. I don't necessarily believe in fate, but, I wish to believe my red thread is tied on her pinky.
"You're beautiful, Ms. Winters." She stops midway bandaging her hands, hesitating before looking up at me. Smiling down at her, I kiss her nose and it wiggles instinctively before I take her hands in my own, kissing her pinkies. Even if I had to defy whatever God's I must, I'll always choose you.
"You too. I keep gravitating towards you Yuzuki-San." My eyes widen and I stare at her. A small smile creeping along my mouth. She truly is mine. Keeping my desire to hold her at bay, I distract myself by moving to get her armour from the locker beside us.
"No armour." I stop, turning to stare at her dumbfoundedly.
"Seriously?!"
"On days like today, we spar without armour. I'm here to release anger Yu-Chan." She says grinning devilishly.
"I see." I stare at her as she sighs before picking up the shinai and heading to the door, and I follow suit. If this is what she does to relieve anger, I hope I never piss her off, but I'm worried.
"I learnt kendo without full gear. Father only allowed us to participate in 'civilised' sporting activities as he called them and with my heart condition, that meant the most intense thing I was allowed to do was breathe." She says mockingly, a look of disgust flashing across her face before disappearing.
"How did you learn about kendo then?"
"During my first year of living with nan, I wasn't allowed to leave the estate grounds. I hated dad for making me into a prisoner. It wasn't a good feeling so I only ever spoke to Nana and no one else. The gardener was a retired detective from Korea, he wouldn't stop pestering me to be social and I eventually gave up. He was way too persistent for an old man. He taught me the basics in a lot of different martial arts; mainly meditational shit at first though. A way to build my virtue. Moral and all that. I still think he just wanted me to stop staring at him when he practised in the mornings like a creep from the study." A sad chuckle escapes her and she stops turning to face me.
"I am anything but the brave mask I wear and he helped me become who I am. Judo. Taekwondo. Hapkido. He taught me everything. Although he taught me how to fight physically, it was my desire to become stronger mentally that pushed me harder than ever. After all, father won't be coming after me with a fucking sword." I'm taken aback by her sudden curse but I can't help but chuckle to myself at the way she sounds. God, even profanities sound cute coming from her lips.
"Where is he now." Her eyes move away from my questioning gaze and she stares down at the sword in her hand.
"The place Irvin would've been if his secretary hadn't found him sooner." The way she said the word scared me and I moved to hug her. As if knowing I would, she steps out of my reach as my hands move from my side as though she hated my touch, but the look in her eyes as she looked away told me she was worried. I see.
"That's why you were worried about me being around you?"
"Yes. I meant it when I said he takes the things I care about. I was scared. Because of him everyone I love has either died or abandoned me." Her burning eyes find mine and I shiver under her intense gaze, before she looks to her feet again. She's nervous.
"Atlas, I..."
"Yuzuki Sakamoto. I told you to leave but you didn't. Now, I'm never letting you go. You belong by my side and that's not up for debate." Her sharp eyes met my gaze again and I smiled inwardly. This woman. A predator who's finally fed up with her prey's games. She's a lioness about to attack. And I have a front row seat. Never did it cross my mind that this would be the woman who chose me. No. Her mother is the one who sent me to her. Smiling, I step forward and she allows my hands to rest on her shoulders.
"I already told you, Ms. Winters. I'm not going anywhere. I'm with you all the way, just ask and I'll even lasso the moon for you." I wink and she laughs rolling her eyes at my reference.
"Honestly Sensei." I step forward again but a shout from the doorway halts my advance.
"Atlas!" Before I can see who the voice belonged to, a body slams into her from behind and I steady her as she's knocked forward by the force. I scowl as my gaze settles on the young boy clinging to her.
"Tomo... I can't breathe." The boy giggles loosening his grip but not letting go.
"Gomen!..."
"Ato-Chan wa doko ni ikimashita ka?" <[Name], where have you been?> He asks pouting.
"Tomo-Kun, gomen'nasai, isogashikatta desu." <[Name], I'm sorry, I was busy.> She laughs awkwardly, lifting up her hands and waving them frantically in front of her in surrender to his childish pouting and I couldn't help but stare at them both; my eyes locked on his arms still around her. This little shit.
"Sumimasen ga, anata dare desu ka?"
"Masani watashi no shitsumon."
"Watashi? Mā watashi wa kanojo ga saisho desu..."
"Watashi? Watashi wa shigamitsuite iru josei no otto desu."
"Eh? O-otto?!"
"Hai. Mondai?"
"Nani?!"
"Leave the poor guy alone Yu-San." She says smiling, tugging on my jacket sleeve.
"Come on Tomo. Let's go play." I frown at her teasing before shaking my head in defeat, a warm smile forming at my lips. Seeing my smile she winks at me and I chuckle, pinching her cheek. Naughty girl.
"Let's go." He walks past us and she moves to follow but I pull her back. Shrieking, she drops her sword holding onto my arm for support.
"What did he mean by first." She looks from the swinging door to me before a warm smile lighting up her face.
"Don't let him get to you. You're my first and only." Getting on her tiptoes she plants a kiss on my lip. Distracted my grip loosens and she takes the advantage to break free, picking up her sword and leaving the hallway. Wait, my head snaps in her direction as she disappears through the door. Her first?! Hurrying after her, I enter the room as they bow to Asano and she sticks out her tongue at me as our eyes meet. Smiling, I move to sit on the floor, next to the other instructor as Asano instructs them on the mat.
"I heard from Asano-San that you accompanied Young-Master today." He says, his appraising gaze sweeping over me.
"Ah, yes. I'm Jason. Jason Sakamoto." I bow slightly, stretching my hand out.
"Joseph. Just Joseph." He smiles as he takes my hand in his, shaking it gently.
"Nice to meet you."
"Likewise. So how long have you known Shinigami-Kun?"
"A couple months now." I reply, unable to help the smile that forms as the memory of our first encounter plays back.
"If I'm correct you met in February, yes?" I look at him and he smiles knowingly.
"How..."
"She seemed brighter around then, I suppose. But she also seemed to be more burdened. For her, this is like yoga. Stress relief of sorts. Everyone thought she won't come back after she lost to Tomo-Kun on her first day, she of course proved them wrong."
Following his eyes to her as both she and the little shit got into their stances. Wait... are they going straight into a Shiai-geiko?! The shock on my face must be visible because Joseph chuckles beside me.
"It's more like a Gokaku-geiko. Well it also has elements of Waza and Kakari-geiko. They break and bend the laws on Kendo in this dojo," he says chuckling softly,"Don't underestimate Atlas Winters, Mr. Fairchild."
"I never do, Just Joseph." We laugh and shortly as Asano finally joins us.
"Gentlemen." In unison, we stand and bow.
"Sensei."
"Sakamoto-Kun, I believe you're going to thoroughly enjoy what you're about to see."
"I get the same feeling, Sensei." He smiles at my reply, nodding in approval as he joins us on the floor. Why do I feel like I just passed another paternal test?
"Who is he?"
"Tomoki-Kun?" Joseph asks, looking from me to the young boy.
"Yeah."
"How should I put this... umm... Tensai
"That means my girl's pretty good huh?"
"That's one way of putting it," Asano-San says laughing.
"Speaking of, why aren't they wearing armour? Isn't it a must unless they're using a bukuto?"
"She..." Asano pauses and looks back at her, a soft sigh escaping him, "she needs the pain."
"Eh?"
"The pain. It numbs everything else. She can forget. Tomoki-Kun volunteered to be her stress ball."
"That's..."
"Don't worry. The swords aren't real bamboo so they don't hurt as much or leave bruises. Well, that depends on how much they need to release." Joseph speaks up as though reading my mind.
"I see."
"Anyways, she only fights armour less with Tomo-Kun."
"That makes me feel so much better." Hearing the sarcasm in my voice both men laugh softly.
"She didn't earn the name Shinigami-Kun by us instructors for nothing." Joseph says, nudging my arm and I smile comfortably at his assurance. This woman truly is a rare specimen.
"It's just a shame that she doesn't take part in our rankings and competition."
"That's true." I looked at both men sitting beside me confused.
"Why exactly doesn't she?"
"She can't train officially because of her heart condition. We could get sued and in a lot of trouble with the Ingrams if something happens to her. Her brother's made sure that his threats are well heard. I'm willing to accept those consequences but she still won't sign." Asano sighs, sounding almost defeated. Is she really that good? Looking at her feet work, her strikes and thrust, her movements all look slow and off-balance. Amateur at best.
"Don't fret boy, my girl hasn't started yet. She's simply warming up." I frown at the way he refers to her and as he turns to look at me I could see he was mocking me.
"Don't tease me Sensei." I roll my eyes and he chuckles.
"Sorry, but you looked tense. She's a great Kendoka." He smiles and turns back to look at them.
"I just wish I could meet the person who taught her. She never talks about him."
"Never?" Shaking his head to my question, Joseph sighs before standing up. She just told me about him though. Looking at her, I smile as realization of how much she really trusts me sinks in.
"Oi, o futari! Yamete kudasai! Tatakai!"
"Osu!" They both pause for a moment and before I could register what was happening their dance began. I could tell my eyes had gone wide. How was she able to conceal herself that well, even from me. Her steps quicken, and soon I could see what Asano-San and Joseph were talking about. She dances. Her strikes and thrust are precise. Her Kiais echo throughout the room, they're the only shouts I hear. Tomoki moves his shinai above his shoulder to strike but she parries the strike, flipping his shinai and returning his strike; men-kaeshi-men. They both shout and their steps begin again.
"She's... incredible..." Asano-San chuckles and I could hear the doors open as others enter the room.
"Her fans are here."
"Fans?"
"She's probably bested most of them, except us instructors. Well she's come close enough to a few. Tomoki is the only one she's stuck in Hiki-wake with. Taking into consideration how many lessons she's missed it's clear she practices at home. " He says proudly and the new crowd begins chatting amongst themselves.
"She definitely fights like it's a dance." The young man says, his soft voice almost a whisper.
"I highly doubt all of them are here to look at her fight Joseph." Asano croaks, sarcasm notable in his tone.
"What do you mean?" Joseph asks quizzically.
"I mean she's a rare beauty to these wild ones." He looks me in the eyes, a knowing grin across his face. Does everyone just like teasing me now, is that it? Turning away from his gaze my eyes find her again. Tomoki steps forward lunging his sword towards her stomach and she steps backward blocking his advance.
Looking at the girl before me and I couldn't have been more conflicted. She is indeed rare and beautiful but perfect? Why did I ever think she was? I've already seen her flaws. Yet, why in my eyes do I still perceive her as perfect? Her surgical scar running down her chest. Her panic-attacks. The way she looks at you like you're in the room but not. Her isolation in silence. Dazed, I study her. I now realized the soft hands I thought were touching me every time she laid her hands on me were probably not entirely soft at all. She bandaged her hands but they must still be rough, slightly callused for her training. The years she spent holding a bamboo sword fighting a war she should never have been drafted into; alone. The one thing that could calm every raging emotion in her. She is anything but perfect. She's mine.
Her dance isn't one of rage or hatred, it was of resolve and pure love for the ones she still fought for. I wonder. Will she ever feel for me like she does for them? Her mother. Her grandmother. Her brother. Her... father? In her eyes am I anything but an anchor for her sanity in this ridiculous fight. Uneasiness builds within me and I sigh, looking at my watch. He should be there by now.
A loud thud echoes through the room followed by a shout and I look up. Tomoki's shinai is on the floor, her own a breath away from his throat. Her panting itself, harsh but still steady. Her chest rising and falling. Helping him up they bow to each other, then to us before leaving the floor, moving towards us. I could tell they were talking but all sound simply bounced off me. Should I really be here? At the end of all this, what happens? At the end of her game, where do I stand? I'm simply her anchor right now am I not? When that anchor is made redundant, no longer needed, am I still allowed to stand beside her? Maybe I really shouldn't have gotten involved. Looking at her, my heart feels heavy. Tomoki says something and they all laugh together. She already has them. Her own family. Before I can stop myself, I'm on my feet.
"I'll wait for you outside." Without waiting for her response I bow and take my leave.
"Hey... Yu...!" she shouts after me but I can't stop. Not now.
"What the hell is his problem?" His voice hits me like a punch and I swear through my teeth as I exit the room. Pathetic, aren't I? Feeling shaken up on such trivial things. By that little shit. Stopping at the car I sigh, taking a cigarette out of my pocket and lighting it. The thought of our age difference and statuses comes into my head and I swear out loud; crushing the cigarette beneath my feet.
"Why are there so many fucking variables?!" I swear I've pissed some deity off. Unlocking the door I step in as my phone goes off. No caller ID.
"Hello, Mr. Ingram." There's a small chuckle on the other line before he speaks.
"So you knew I would come?"
"I did. You love your sister too much to give up your only chance of coming back." He chuckles again and I settle into my seat.
"Thank you. For everything."
"Thank Atlas."
"I will. I am forever in your debt Mr. Fairchild."
"Please, just call me Jason."
"Alright then, Jason." I could tell he's smiling. God, why are all that man's children so cute?
"Anyways, this is now your number. You can get a new phone when you arrive but please keep this one as it's the only way I'll ever contact you. My subordinates will ensure your safety throughout the flight and when you get to the hotel and I'll see you shortly after."
"Thank you. How is she?"
"At the moment she's venting anger. The old man played his hand and the Head got involved. He's in a coma as we speak.
"What?! He went after Monroe personally?!"
"From what we've gathered, he wanted to tarnish the school with a break in scandal but Monroe got in his way."
"That fucking..."
"Don't worry. She's already got the media and teachers under control. She mentioned a press conference on Monday but I don't know what she's planning on doing."
"If I had to guess, she's going to give the old man the ultimate kick up the ass. What about her investments and the schools' stocks though?"
"Well, with the story she's stuck to the stocks haven't dropped too drastically and the investors on her side haven't budged. The old man's side stirred but nothing fatal."
"That's good then. By story, I'm guessing you mean his health issues?"
"Yes, that was the safest route."
"I can't believe that father would..."
"He sent you halfway across the globe in order to break your relationship with not only your sister but your lover and you find this shocking?""
"Ah, I suppose you're right." He sighs and a silence falls over the line. He's worried about her. Thinking about him. The thought makes me smile and I can't help the sigh that escapes me.
"You two siblings are quite romantic."
"What do you mean?"
"You were thinking about that man weren't you?"
"How..."
"Are you forgetting I'm a man too, August." Silence."
"Mr. Ingram?"
"That's the first time you've called me by my first name."
"Ah. Is it?"
"Yes. What's going?" The tone of his voice shocks me. Wait... is he...
"Are you concerned for me right now?" I ask, chuckling at the thought.
"Of course!" He truthfully exclaims and I'm momentarily rendered speechless.
"Why?"
"You're the man my sister loves." It's my time to fall silent. The laugh that followed surprised even me.
"Why do you think my feelings aren't unrequited?"
"She's my sister. I know her eyes and I saw the way she looked at you during that quiz."
"I suppose."
"You're a man with experience Jason. Six years her senior if I'm correct. But still, here you are unsure like a teenager. You really do love her don't you?"
"Me? Love?" I've been so caught up in figuring out how she feels about me that I haven't even thought about how I actually feel. I've said she's mine, but I haven't thought about... Yeah, she trusts me but so what? She also trusts Irvin. Hugh's. Jay. How exactly am I different to any of them?
"Everything you're thinking about I can guarantee she's worried too. She may be young but she's not naive. Please believe in her."
"I guess I should listen to you huh. You've been in love with the same man for nearly 10 years."
"What makes you think that I haven't gotten over him?"
"Because, since you left you haven't had any other relationships and neither has he."
"So, you've thoroughly investigated me huh."
"Apologies for invading your privacy but I needed to know if I could trust you or if..."
"I was a bastard like my father?"
"Precisely."
"And?"
"And, here I am sneaking you into the country." He laughs and I can't help but join in. This man really is her brother.
"You two siblings are too cute."
"Thank you. We get it from our mothers." We laugh again but he's distracted by a voice in the background, as he replies to their question.
"It seems you're now officially on your way home, August."
"It seems so indeed. Thank you again, Ja..."
"Hey! Are you alright you just disappeared on me." I jump as she pulls the door open getting into the car.
"Babe! Jesus! Are you trying to kill me?" My spare hand falls over my chest and she laughs, the sound instantly dismissing the doubts I previously had. August is right. About everything. Love, huh? I feel myself smile and she looks at me, her brows arching.
"Jesus, what were you doing that you didn't even hear me open the door?" Her eyes move from mines to the phone on my other hand and colour rushes to her cheek,
"Oh. You were on the phone. Sorry..." She smiles shyly, her hands falling between her thighs coyly as she purses her lips together. God, she's too cute.
"It's just an old friend, he's just returning from a lengthy vacation."
"Ah, I see. I hope he enjoyed his trip. The last holiday I went on was with Aug..." She stops, her eyes glazing over.
"Hey. please don't cry."
"I miss him. It's hard not to." She smiles wryly.
"I miss you too baby sis." His voice is almost a whisper and I could tell he was holding back tears also.
"He misses you too..." She looks at me confused, "I'm guessing of course. But he probably misses you every day, Koibito."
"Thank you." She smiles and it reaches her eyes.
"Don't you dare start crying..." I whisper into the phone but she hears me and she turns to look at me.
"He's crying? Why?"
"He's a big softy. Don't mind him." I ruffle her hair and she giggles, shaking her head mocking.
"Are all of your friend's softies like you Yu-Chan?" Rolling my eyes, I pinch her cheek and she shrieks before pulling away and rubbing the area.
"He's more similar to you."
"I am not a softie!" She pouts and turns away from me and I hear him chuckle on the other side.
"She just pouted didn't she?"
"Yes, yes she did." We both laugh and she punches me softly on my arm.
"Meanies."
"He said he would like to meet you soon, what do you say?" She arches her brow, studying me. I hate it when she tries to read me.
"Sure. I think I'll punch him too for agreeing with you." He laughs again and I can't help but feel at ease.
"Well then, you'll meet each other very soon." I reply, my hand caressing her cheek before ruffling her hair and she giggles swatting my hand away playfully.
"Soon then. Thank you again, Jason." We say our goodbyes and cut the call.
"Now, Ms. Winters. Where to?"
"Home. Take me home Mr. Sakamoto." Smiling, I lean over planting a kiss on her cheek. She jerks slightly at my sudden movement, her cheeks hot under my lip. God, she's too adorable.
"Le ni kaerimashou."
"Un! Ikou!"