Glass Slipper: Epilogue@stefy: Well. yeah, hee hee. It was inevitable
@KK: Oh KK, thank you so much for this incredible comment. I think having a reader want to print their fic out is really the ultimate encouragement
@SBK: Awww I love you too SKB. I also love the fact that you started writing again. Please keep it up, I miss reading your works. GanbaReina
@Shiichan: Likewise Shiichan. I'll do anything for a KameMame movie. Ehhhh well maybe not
everything but yeah
I should really DHL a dozen tissue boxes over to you. And no, this isn't a hint for what might happen in future chapters of any of my fics
Has there even been any doubt about how much I like you and your fics
@JFC: LOL, oh gosh JFC, your comments always make me laugh
@Sukoshi-chan: A delusional Eri. You know, that might be kinda cute I don't mind some s'mores. I'm actually feeling a little hungry at the moment *rubs tummy*
@kRisZ: You were touched? OH YAY!!! That was what I was aiming for. You don't have to thank me for the fic, I should thank you for reading and commenting
Arigatou!!
@Kuji-san: Can I hitch a ride? There are so many things I wanna do back in the past
Oh, GS makes you wanna transfer loyalties? In GA or MGR? This is an interesting reaction. Tell me more
LOL at the possible Merry-Go-Round that might exist with the GS kids. It is fun to imagine what's gonna happen. I know, you could write a fic about that Kuji-san
HWTD @KK: People say a picture tells a thousand words. I guess in this case it works too
@kRisZ: Thank you! I seem to tell you that a lot eh
@ringo-hime: And like always, you are totally awesome and nice as well
@badsaints: Good question. I would like to know the answer to that too
@JFC: How many fluff fics to go before I can make it up for killing the turtle and bean?
@SBK: I figured having some fluff once in a while would be a nice change from the usual doom and gloom
@Sukoshi-chan: Urm, what's HSD? I'm slow
No, I don't kill people all the time. Don't make me out to be so bad Sukoshi
*GASPS* You made a Breakin Out OPV?!?!?! AWESOME! I shall go watch it *rolls away*
-----
Guardian AngelChapter 9: When Night Becomes Day Five Kanji words appeared on the screen as she typed away at the keyboard. Pressing on the ‘enter’ key when she had finished inputting the crucial terms to obtain the necessary search results, she waited with bated breath for the page to load. What kind of things would she discover about the mystery woman who was so adamant about knowing her? From her manner of speech and behavior, it was apparent that their relationship went beyond that of mere acquaintances. Intrigued by the connection they could have possibly shared, the female working as a translator taking on ad hoc jobs decided to turn to the World Wide Web to seek the answers she so desperately needed.
More than a couple of links popped up within the search engine and with trembling hands, she maneuvered the mouse to scroll over the first website which seemed to provide the answer to her queries. The picture that emerged shocked her to the very core of her soul. In the dated photo were four girls in their teens with tear streaked faces. She recognized two of them immediately as her former band mates and proceeded to read the names beneath the picture softly, skipping over her own.
“Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto…Takahashi Ai.”
“Ai-chan…AI-CHAN!”
In the following instant, an explosion of white light blinded her and various images sped through her mind’s eye in flashes, replaying the missing portions of her forgotten life.
The fifth generation audition, the solo line at the beginning of Ai no Big Band ~ Mr Moonlight, the sixth generations' entry, Sakuragumi, her first photo book shooting, Koharu, Ribon no Kishi the Musical, being sub-leader and
the accident.
The blast of light from the oncoming vehicle, the plummet down the ravine, the crunching sounds of metal, shattering of glass, burnt smell of rubber and the body crashing through the windscreen.
“Sayumin, did she survive? Was she alright?”
Realizing that she needed to get a hold on Eri to find out more about the bunny’s situation, she located her flat mate’s number in her cell phone and dialed it. One ring, two. She didn’t know how many rings have gone by but it was obvious that no one was going to pick up. Abandoning her original plan, she decided to try another number.
As she waited for the call to connect, she couldn’t help thinking about the person whom she had just remembered. How did she spend the last two years, did she still adore Takarazuka, was her worn red blanket still a requirement for her to fall asleep every night? What about her tastes in food? Was it still strictly 100% orange juice? But the most vital question of all was if she was attached. Did Ai have a boyfriend or did she already wed.
It doesn't matter whom you are with, it doesn't matter where you are going.
Do you know I'm still waiting here for you? -----
Sayumi curled her body in a tight ball and sobbed quietly into the sheets which accompanied her daily. Ever since Reina had left the country for the Morning Musume concert tour in Korea, she had been alone. Sure, Eri visited her regularly although she couldn’t drop by everyday. There were also the ever caring nurses and her kindly doctor. But it wasn’t the same. It wasn’t the same without Reina’s comforting voice telling her stories about the clumsy performance of the newer members, Koharu and Lin Lin’s blossoming relationship and how Jun Jun had finally confessed her feelings to a talent whom she had cooperated with on a stint as a voice actress for an anime.
“I miss you Reina.”
Sudden movement on the bed beside her jolted Sayumi from her weeping and she froze unnaturally at the unforeseen disturbance.
“Nurse Miyazato? Is that you?”
The only reply to her question came in the form of a pair of arms slipping around her waist and the heated breathing of the mysterious visitor blowing lightly against the nape of her neck.
"I should have told you this from day one. I like you, no, love. I love you Sayu."
Bringing her arms tighter around the patient's body, the unexpected caller continued.
"But I was too afraid to confess my feelings. I was scared of rejection, frightened that you would look at me differently if you knew. Then when I found out about your affections for Eri, I hated myself. Every single day I have regretted not telling you and thus losing my chance. If only I had said something earlier then maybe, things would have been different."
The startling revelation astounded Sayumi and she couldn't believe what she had just heard. For a moment, she remained silent to let the words sink in. Replaying what was said in her extremely weary mind, she knew it had to be true. The tone by which the love declaration was stated was much too solemn to be a joke or lie.
Wriggling around within the other girl's embrace, Sayumi lifted her arms to cup at the face of her admirer. Then pulling her nearer to herself, she gently planted her lips over the younger’s. Her actions stunned the shorter girl and this time it was her turn to freeze. Even though a part of her was ecstatic to have Sayumi reciprocate her feelings, she couldn't shake off the nagging sentiment that she had betrayed a friend. In spite of her guilt, what Sayumi said next shattered all reservations she previously had.
"It took me 2 years to realize what a fool I've been. I’ve chased after another for so long when all this time the person who loved me the most had been right here. You've sacrificed too much for my sake but there is one more thing I want from you."
Pausing to suck in a deep breath of air, Sayumi gathered her courage and pressed on before she lost all nerve to ask.
"Be my eyes. Even if I do recover my sight one day."
-----
“I’ll leave. I’ll take the next flight out of Japan as I’ve promised.”
Standing a few feet apart were two women as they kept their respective lines of sight away from the other. With her arms folded across her chest, the taller dug her fingers into her arm and gritted her teeth with unwavering determination. What she had demanded of her former friend must sound harsh and cruel now but the end result would be for the best.
“I’ve agreed to your terms, now give me your word that you’ll agree to mine.”
Whirling her head around rapidly, she narrowed her eyes and spat out vehemently at the one dressed in a black overcoat.
“This isn’t a transaction! It’s your only option if you care about Gaki-san as much as you claim.”
“I’m not bargaining. I’m begging. Let me see her for the last time. Because after tomorrow, she’ll never know I ever existed.”
-----
The atmosphere hanging above this particular table at the posh French restaurant was awkward. None of its three occupants spoke until the waiter arrived to note down their orders. When he had excused himself to attend to another table, Risa finally started.
“I’m very honored that you would ask me along for the meal
Takahashi-san. But I wasn’t involved in the decoration of the auditorium. Credit for its success goes entirely to Kame.”
Remembering that people outside of their little circle of friends wouldn’t know about the special nickname which she uses habitually to refer to Eri, Risa promptly corrected herself with an embarrassed smile.
“I apologize for my lack of good manners. I meant Kamei-san.”
“No offence taken.”
Returning the smile with a charming one of her own, Ai gazed into Risa’s eyes and found that she couldn’t tear her sight away from those fascinating brown orbs. She had on many occasions in the past looked into those same coffee colored eyes but she had never before realized how captivating they were.
Why did I throw it all away? Why didn’t I cherish what I could have had?Throughout their chat, Ai knew that Eri was seething in her seat. She could feel the once timid and shy girl’s intense eyes boring into the very pores of her face. Nevertheless, Ai chose to ignore the obvious displeasure emitted by Eri to focus on Risa.
The unanticipated loud ringing of the cellphone resting on the table top made Eri scoop the device up swiftly as a few disgruntled diners shot her dirty glares. Upon taking a quick glance at the lighted screen, Eri proceeded to shift her chair backwards. Standing up to her full length, she pressed the gadget to her ear.
“I need to take this call.”
Ai watched as Eri left the small establishment through its glass entry, causing the tiny silver bell hanging above the entrance to tinkle as she let the door swing shut behind her. Turning back to stare at Risa, Ai stretched out her hand so that it remained raised in the air space in front of her face.
“Trust me, Risa-chan.”
-----
“Doctor Nakama?”
“Niigaki-san has begun asking questions about her past in the last few treatments we have had together. Judging from her queries, it is highly possible that her dormant memories are starting to surface.”
Speaking in hushed tones with one hand covering over the mouthpiece of her phone, Eri’s eyes darted around from side to side as she scanned the area, making sure that no one walking by was within hearing distance of the conversation she was having.
“Is there anything you can do to prevent that from happening? Increase the dosage of the drug perhaps?”
“That is an option. However, it is not known what consequences would arise from raising the prescribed amount.”
Pursing her lips together, Eri weighed the pros and cons of such a decision. Despite her reservations about the possible side effects and their severity, Eri gave the doctor the go ahead. She was going to keep Risa by her side regardless of the sacrifices that had to be made. At this point, her judgment was utterly shrouded by one thought.
Gaki-san belongs to me, for eternity. “I understand. Please continue to administer the medication doctor. Risa must
never remember.”