The Midnight Butterfly by Shannon
Part Seven
Kyo slowly blinked awake; Reita was contained warmly in his arms, he smiled and snuggled closer. As Kyo moved he realized there was someone behind him and their arm was draped across his shoulders and over Reita. Kyo turned a little and saw Miyavi, a small smile on his lips as he slept. Aoi and Shinya were gone. Kyo looked at Reita’s face; he had a nice purple and blue bruise coloring his right eye, his nose was also bruised and swollen but it looked much better. Kyo kissed his forehead and moved Miyavi’s arm so he could sit up. Kyo stood up and did his best to move Reita and Miyavi together so they could continue sleeping. Kyo heard giggling from the kitchen and made his way stretching and yawning to the door. Shinya and Aoi stood next to each other leaning against a counter as Kyo leaned against the doorway. “Ohayo gozaimasu,” they said seeing Kyo. “Morning,” Kyo smiled. “What are you two so giddy about?” “We’ve been up for quite awhile talking; we even went out and got a present for Reita.” Shinya said. “What did you get him?” Kyo asked. “Uh-uh,” Aoi said shaking his head. “You’ll just have to see when we give it to him.” “Well then,” Kyo smiled. “I think I’m going to make breakfast for everyone.” “No,” Shinya said. “We were planning on that too, we were just waiting for you to be alive.” Kyo smiled. “Ok then, I’m going to take a bath.” “There’s hot water for that too, all ready for you.” Aoi smiled and moved to get a fire going. Kyo laughed and walked back to the stairs, passing Reita’s room he looked in and saw the Hokan stirring from sleep. Kyo stepped into the room. “Ohayo gozaimasu,” he said. “Oh Kyo,” Miyavi said with a small yawn. “Good morning.” “How’s Reita?” Kyo asked the bruised boy that was gingerly sitting up. “I feel horrible, but better than yesterday,” Reita tried a smile but decided it didn’t fit. “Would you two like a bath? Shinya and Aoi have water hot for us. They’re starting to cook breakfast too.” “A bath sounds great!” Reita said. “I’m not so sure about breakfast,” Miyavi said with a crooked smile. “Last time was a slight disaster wasn’t it,” Kyo laughed. “But they’ve been learning since then so we’ll be polite and give it a try ne?” “Oh all right,” Miyavi said standing up and offering a hand to Reita. Kyo moved up and also helped Reita to stand. Reita smiled. “You’re all treating me like I’m on my death bed,” he said sticking out his tongue. “Aren’t you dead? You mean I’ve wasted all my love on someone who’s going to live?” Miyavi asked. “Oh shut up Miyavi,” Reita said lightly punching his arm. “Itai!” Kyo laughed and made his way out to the small bathhouse in the backyard followed by the fighting Hokan.
“So are you going to elope with Hakuei?” Shinya asked softly. “I really want to, but what if he’s the one who hurt Reita?” “Do you really think he did it?” Shinya asked with a raised brow. “No I don’t, after our excursion in the bushes he tried to have sex with me but I told him no and he stopped. I really don’t think it was him, but I do have a small shadow of doubt. While I trust him, I’m not sure how he’d be around others… Oh what am I saying?” Aoi shook his head and began stir frying his rice. “I think if your heart says that it’s not him, then it isn’t,” Shinya said. “Because Kyo also mentioned that Die might be suspect.” “Die!?” Aoi asked shocked. “Exactly! He may get strange when he’s drunk but I think some of that is show, it’s more acceptable to say what you want to when you’re drunk,” Shinya sighed. “You know he once stumbled into my arms during an o-hana, and said ‘I love you’,” Shinya blushed and turned back to cutting vegetables. “Oh Shinya,” Aoi exclaimed. “That’s so sweet, you’re so lucky! Die’s gorgeous… Not that Hakuei’s not.” “Of course not!” Shinya smiled. “Hakuei is incredible; he’s made me blush plenty.” Aoi and Shinya smiled at each other and exchanged a quick hug before going back to work.
Kyo wiped the water off his face glaring at Miyavi. Miyavi hid behind Reita’s shoulder. “It was just a joke, honest,” Miyavi smiled. Kyo half smiled and said, “It’s ok, come here.” “No, you’re scary.” Kyo reached over and grabbed his Hokan by the back of his neck; he pulled Miyavi away from Reita an evil grin pulling his lips. Kyo leaned in to Miyavi and said, “Splash water on me will you?” And he mercilessly dunked Miyavi’s head under the water. Reita was laughing hard when Miyavi resurfaced. “Thanks for helping,” Miyavi said pretending hurt feelings. Reita just smiled and put his hand on Miyavi’s shoulder. “You shouldn’t mess with Kyo,” Reita smiled and pushed Miyavi under again. Miyavi came back up and spit water in Reita’s face. Reita just giggled. Kyo sighed. “Alright you two, I’m getting out.” Reita slid closer to Miyavi and they started whispering and giggling as Kyo rose from the water. Kyo blushed. “What the hell is so funny?” “Not funny,” Reita said. “Nope not at all,” Miyavi smiled. Kyo shrugged not understanding and turned his back to them to climb out of the tub; causing more giggles to erupt from covered mouths. Kyo threw a glance over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow. They stopped giggling and Miyavi bit his lip. Suddenly it hit Kyo. “You hentai jerks,” he yelled.
Shinya sighed and smiled at his breakfast masterpiece. Aoi wiped his brow with a towel and stretched his back. “Well,” Shinya said. “I hope it tastes as good as it looks.”
Kyo, Reita and Miyavi sat around the table waiting for Shinya and Aoi to bring in their food. Miyavi kept poking Reita in the ribs making him laugh. Kyo smiled and rolled his eyes. Shinya and Aoi brought in their respective trays and placed them on the table. Aoi handed out bowls of fried rice with green onions and egg, and grilled perch. Shinya placed bowls of miso, with tofu and nori slivers in front of everyone and left a bowl of pickled vegetables he’d cut into star and flower shapes, in the middle of the table. “Tabemasho,” Shinya said. “Itadakimasu,” Kyo said smiling as he picked up his rice bowl and chopsticks. Miyavi and Reita watched intently as Kyo picked up some with his sticks and put it in his mouth. Aoi was worried and his shoulders slumped as he bowed his head. Shinya nudged Aoi with his elbow and motioned to Kyo. Kyo was smiling, and taking a second bite. Aoi’s eyes opened wide. “Itadakimasu,” Miyavi and Reita said as they picked up their bowls and started in. Kyo set down his sticks and bowl and grabbed Shinya’s miso, nodding to Shinya he took a sip. Shinya tensed. Kyo sat back and set the bowl down looking at Shinya. “It’s horrible isn’t it?” Shinya asked. Kyo laughed. “Quite the opposite, it’s absolutely perfect, better than any restaurant I’ve been to. In fact I’d compare it to my mother’s, nothing better than mother’s miso,” Kyo said giggling. Shinya let out an explosive sigh and picked up his own bowl, with a muttered “Itadakimasu,” to Aoi he started eating. Aoi was too busy smiling at Miyavi and Reita devouring his rice to eat. “Aoi, stop staring at us and eat,” Reita said. Aoi smiled and whispered “Itadakimasu,” as he dug in. They ate in relative silence; every now and then, Miyavi would make them laugh. Reita seemed to be ok with Aoi again as they began a slow conversation about the food. Kyo sat back when he had finished and listened to his Hokan, smiling at the comfort they all seemed to be in considering the circumstances. “Kyo,” Shinya whispered putting his hand on Kyo’s knee. Kyo shook from his reverie and looked at Shinya. “We’re going to get Miyavi ready for the mizuage now.” Kyo nodded. “Gochisosama deshita.” Shinya smiled, “I’m glad you liked it.” Shinya stood up and collected the dishes taking them into the kitchen. Kyo remembered something and ran upstairs to his office, digging through his drawers he opened a box he kept his precious mementos in, there written on pink stationary was the letter. Kyo stuffed it in his kimono front and ran back down the stairs. Miyavi was making his way to his room when Kyo passed; he looked at him funny and Kyo stuck out his tongue as he continued to the kitchen. Shinya rose from doing the dishes and looked at Kyo. Kyo smiled and produced the letter. “When Die gave this to me he told me it was only for your eyes, he also gave me one that stated his demands,” Kyo rolled his eyes. “I’m very sorry I didn’t give it to you sooner, but I kept my promise and I’ve never read it. It’s yours now my precious Geisha.” Kyo let Shinya take the note then left the room. Shinya held the pink paper to his chest and made his way out into the yard. Sitting under the maple Shinya rested his back against its trunk and smelled the letter, it had a faint cherry scent and a sort of citrus. Shinya took a deep breath and opened the letter.
“Dear Shinya, I love you, maybe I shouldn’t just come out and say it like that but what’s the point of hiding it? I love you and everyone around won’t let me love you. My father refuses to help me pay for your mizuage, saying you’re underclass, ‘it’s not right for you to want that’. I don’t care what he says, someday I’ll buy you from Kyo, take you out of the hanamachi and you can live with me for the rest of your life, never having to entertain again, unless you want to. I’m not sure if this note will even get to you, Kyo didn’t seem too pleased when I told him that I loved you. If you do get this, even if it’s years later, please know that I love you and I always will, no matter what happens. I’ll still come to see you perform, even if you marry off and never know that I love you. I can’t stop rambling, I wish I could just say this in person, but I get tongue tied around you, you’re so beautiful… I hope you get this, I love you always, Die.”
Shinya wiped tears from his eyes and a small laugh built up in his chest till he had no choice but to release it. Giggling to him self Shinya walked back into the kitchen to find the dishes finished and put away. Aoi smiled at him from where he stood. “I can tell it was a good letter,” Aoi said. “He’s so stupid,” Shinya laughed. “But I love him.” Aoi hugged Shinya, “I’m so happy for you.” “Thank you,” Shinya said holding Aoi close. “You should go talk to Reita now, I think the Samurai will be back soon to talk to him.” Aoi pulled away from Shinya and sighed, “I guess you’re right, I’m scared to talk to him though, I feel like I caused his misfortune.” “I know, but not saying anything to him is just going to hurt him more, be a good boy now and go talk to him,” Shinya smiled pushing Aoi away. “Don’t forget his present.” “I thought we were going to give it to him together?” “I think it would be best if you gave it to him alone.” “Ok,” Aoi agreed and left the kitchen.
Reita was sitting in his room talking to Miyavi. Aoi poked his head in the door, “Miyavi?” “Yes Aoi?” “Can I talk to Reita alone for awhile?” Miyavi looked to Reita who nodded. Miyavi stood up, “Ok then, don’t keep him too long I need both your help to get ready for tonight.” “Is Die going to do it?” Aoi asked. “I don’t know, I didn’t tell him and Kyo didn’t tell me otherwise so I guess so.” Miyavi said stepping past Aoi. “We’ll see ne?” Reita said. “Yup,” Miyavi smiled then closed the door on his friends. “What is it Aoi?” Reita asked. Aoi sat down next to Reita and mustered up his courage. “You saw Hakuei and I didn’t you?” Reita bit his lip and looked at his knees. “I knew you did,” Aoi cursed himself. “Reita I’m so sorry.” “Please don’t Aoi,” Reita said holding up his hand. “I don’t want your apologies.” “Reita, don’t be mean.” Aoi pleaded. “Don’t be mean? What the hell am I supposed to be?” Reita yelled. “I had my heart torn out, then I was beaten and deflowered for it, what the hell kind of repayment is that?” “Reita, please I’m very sorry, I caused you so much pain.” Aoi said tears brimming in his eyes. “Aoi,” Reita said putting a hand on the crying man’s. “I only blame you for my heart’s pain, the other is not your fault; he even told me it wasn’t mine…” Aoi stared into Reita’s eyes. “It must have been so traumatizing, I’m so sorry.” “The hardest part,” Reita said his voice breaking. “Was not having the one I loved so dearly anywhere near me, not there to comfort me. I loved you Aoi, and you didn’t even try to find out how I was.” Reita bowed his head, tears wetting his cheeks. “You proved to me that my real friends and family are Kyo, Miyavi and Shinya,” Reita said through choked sobs. “I was scared,” Aoi cried. “I didn’t know what to do, and all I could think was I had caused it all, that it was my fault. I didn’t want to be close to you, for fear of causing you even more pain… I only succeeded in doing just that.” Aoi covered his face with his hands and cried freely. Reita took in a shuddering breath and moved closer to Aoi. Aoi felt a touch on his arm and dropped his hands sniffling and staring at his knees. Reita reached out for Aoi’s shoulders and pulled him into a tight hug. Aoi sucked in his breath and squeezed Reita closer to him. “I love you,” he whispered. Reita smiled. “Let’s call a truce?” He asked in Aoi’s ear. Aoi nodded. “From now on we’re good friends, not afraid of anything as long as we have each other?” “And there for each other always,” Aoi sobbed snuggling Reita’s shoulder. There was a light knocking on the door and Miyavi called “The Samurai is here to speak to Reita.” Reita moved to stand but Aoi caught his arm, “Wait.” Aoi reached into his kimono front and pulled out a folded piece of cloth. “Shinya and I got this for you; since your nose is permanently damaged, we thought you might like to wear this on your face, as a way to hide it and also be a little different from all the other run-of-the-mill Geisha out there.” Reita pulled the cloth from Aoi’s hands and unfolded it; it was simple and white but when you looked closer it had embossed imagery of maple trees shedding leaves. Reita moved to his mirror and wrapped it around his face. “Help me tie it Aoi?” Reita asked. Aoi took the ends of the fabric in his hands and tied the ‘tanga’ firmly to Reita’s face. Aoi smiled and said, “It gives you a mystery, I love it.” Reita stood up and gave Aoi a kiss, soft and sweet. “I love it too, thank you and thank Shinya for me?” “Of course,” Aoi hugged Reita and took his hand leading him to the door. Miyavi smiled at Reita’s new look. “Well I hate to say it, but now you’re totally kawaii,” Miyavi nudged Reita’s arm. “I love it.” Kyo cleared his throat and the three looked over at him. Kaoru the Samurai stood by his side. “Time for questions Reita,” Kyo said and held out his hand. Reita stepped forward and grabbed Kyo’s hand squeezing tightly. Kyo offered a reassuring smile to his Hokan and led the way upstairs to his office.
Owari Die? Hakuei? Toshiya? Will Kaoru get the answers he needs from Reita? Or will it only deepen the mystery?
Kaoru: Keep writing I have to know what happens! S: *typing* Kaoru: Good girl S: *typing* I heard that!
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