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FIND MY WAY TO YOU
chapter 2
by varon, age 18
archivists: ask first! (varon_)

She was getting weary from all the smiles and hugs she had to return.

Ruriko Ikusawa was more than grateful that she received this much warm welcome from virtually everybody in the room -- flattered as heck, she was, for this was one of the few rare moments when she was treated with such attention! -- but she was itching to get out of this predicament where strangers were all over her, and just to be with her close friends.

But of course no one should know that; it was terribly rude. So yes, another smile, albeit a little forced, was plastered on her lips.

"Thank you," she said graciously, receiving yet another comment from some guy -- he worked at the cleaning department of the headquarters back in `69, she figured -- on how beautiful she looked. She resisted the urge to grit her teeth as more women pecked her on the cheek, and tried her best to appear pleased. But dear God, she hadn't even moved an inch from the entryway, where she had stood for the past ten minutes or so since she arrived (it could be longer, or was time just moving too slow?) and she was NOT pleased.

Cut it out, Ikusawa, she scolded herself mentally, you're just impatient because you've been wanting to see him and couldn't care less about the other people here in this room. Act a bit more grateful -- it'll be just a little while.

The crowd surrounding her finally grew thin, as the guests mingled about and formed their respective circles, and it took Ruriko superhuman effort to subdue her sigh of immense relief. Shirei, who was right beside her, smiled kindly at her, seemingly reading her thoughts. "Everybody's just happy you're back home," he said, as if to explain the people's behavior. "We're all proud of your accomplishment, Ruriko."

She reddened slightly, embarrassed. "Oh, of course, Commander!" Ruriko giggled. "I understand." She smiled sincerely at the older man, and said, "Thank you. I really am ecstatic to be back home."

He nodded, the tiny smile still on his lips. "And I know a certain someone who is just as ecstatic to see you --"

"Hmm?" Her brows furrowed slightly, wondering who it was he meant.

"Hi, Rurippe."

Oh, goodness, it's him.

* * *

Friends since childhood, she had loved him the moment he gave his precious toy to her. Her feelings for him had grown deeper with their second meeting, when they were 17, as she got to know him more -- teammate, classmate, dormmate, close family friend.

She wished there could have been more to it than that, though.

Ukiya Shun was the love of her life, and she tried to show him how she felt. Tried to show him how she wanted him to feel the same.

But she had been too cowardly, afraid of rejection, and maybe too proud, for she believed in the ancient concept of chivalry... all that brought her, though, were regrets, as she lived in the United States for a full decade or so.

He wrote her many letters, though; the first one was a pleasant surprise. She remembered, the first few weeks she was in the UCLA campus, she had felt so alone... and so homesick. But the dormitory monitor had something in the mail for her, and Ruriko eagerly read Shun's scrawl of a handwriting, hungry for news in Japan... and for him. She held read the letter, falling asleep in the process (for she was EXHAUSTED) and woke up the next day realizing she held the letter clutched to her chest.

She wanted so much to respond to his letters (she did so every time she could) but just couldn't squeeze it in. Medical school was tough; she had to focus all her attention on it, or she would not remain at the top of her class. He was always cheerfully understanding, though, and he helped her through her most trying times. He had been her inspiration, and over the years his letters fueled her desire to go back home.

One of his letters made her smile, that wherein he relayed the story he helped Saemi write for her English class. It was a simple tale about a Prince finding his long-lost Princess after years of wandering in the forest. The princess was cursed to live in a castle as a witch's wrath lives on, and a prince, a traveler, happened to pass by the seemingly-abandoned structure and set the Princess free.

Ruriko had giggled then, because the story was the same dream she had as a little girl, and ever since, she relied on the power of true love to set her free from her anxieties. To give her eternal happiness.

It had been her dream, and Shun had known it. She remembered being insulted at his laughter of "girlish" things when she shared her dream to him, and now look where it got him. Her dream was actually the basis for his sister's project! He must have been really desperate. Serves him right. Well at least, Saemi got a high grade on it.

But after her laughter had died down, Ruriko had sighed. For how often was it that she had wished her dream to come true.

* * *

She was wondering when he would make his appearance. He was the first on her "wanted list" anyway -- if he didn't find her, she would look for him. Fortunately he made the first move... after all she wouldn't have wanted to appear like the lovesick teenager she felt.

She fought hard not to blush under his stare. It was refreshing to finally see him again, face to face, so close, after a decade of separation -- he was so better-looking in person, as she remembered him to be. She took in his features: his shoulders had grown broader, he was markedly taller, his hairstyle had improved (still a bit unruly, but it suited him just fine), his cocky grin ever-present. His smile was enough to melt her in place, as he looked every bit the dashing prince she dreamed of as a girl.

She could only wish this prince was meant for her.

"Ukiya-kun!" She was about to rush to him and hug him -- she had been wanting to do so badly -- but thankfully she caught herself, and was able to take a step forward to him. However her eyes suddenly narrowed, as she said mockingly, "Although it's so nice to see you, I thought I made it clear that you," jabbing a finger in his chest, "were never to call me that again."

Shun laughingly held up his hands. "All right, all right," he chuckled. "Won't do it again--"

"Good."

"--Rurippe."

Her eyes flashed. "You're still such an idiot."

He laughed. "Aa, but it's not good to be bickering on our first meeting after ten years." His eyes twinkled. "It's really great that you're home. You're looking beautiful, as always."

She did blush this time. No matter how many times she heard the same thing about her that night, the compliment somehow sounded different, more special, when Shun said it. "You're too cordial. You don't look too bad yourself."

Another chuckle. "Aww, you make my heart swell."

An awkward pause, as they ran out of senseless introductions. A beat or two later someone cleared his throat nearby, as if on cue. "I would take it this would be a perfect time to disappear," Shirei winked at them. Ruriko blinked, forgetting that the older man was still with them, and that he witnessed their entire exchange. "I'll leave you two kids alone." He made his way into the crowd with a final wave.

Shun shook his head, looking at his toes. Then he raised his eyes again, a sheepish look in them. "Hey, the whole gang's waiting for you." He cocked his head to one side, gesturing to where the group was. "Everybody else has hogged you but us. Let's go."

* * *

Shun thought he had sounded smooth. He didn't stutter, his voice didn't waver, his palms weren't sweaty, as he anticipated them to be when he would start talking to Rurip- Ruriko. He patted himself on the back; he performed fairly well. Good enough for a week-long practice.

He also thought the group was getting along pretty well, even after all these years. He felt as if they were still the young Gate Keepers, ready to defend the earth against invaders.

Shun was worried about one thing though... how would this reunion affect Kaoru?

It had been a long time, he knew, but still there are some scars even time could not heal... He certainly hoped this was not one of them.

"Ruriko-hime!" was Bancho's cry as he all but engulfed Ruriko in a bear hug. Good thing Megane bonked him on the head with his knuckles before the bigger man could ruin his princess' attire.

"Moron, how many times do I have to tell you to ACT like an adult?!" was Megane's angry hiss.

Ruriko laughed them all away, and received their welcome warmly.

They occupied themselves with the usual chat. All the while, though, Shun couldn't help but long for the time when he can be alone with Ruriko. He DID promise himself he would tell her, tonight, and that there was no backing out.

But he kept being distracted. Her beauty was overpowering; he just could not think straight.

Another thing, he kept tabs on Kaoru, studying her reaction, looking for some signs of hurt or anger or resentment. But she was laughing with the others at Ruriko's stories of abroad, and he had to reassure himself everything was fine.

More minutes passed, then somebody announced that the band has arrived. Fei squealed, as if signaling the start of looking for dance partners.

As the rest of the group dispersed, music suddenly filled the room.

Ruriko and Shun stood awkwardly next to each other, absorbed in their own thoughts, awaiting the other's next move.

She was willing him to ask her to dance.

He was wondering just how.

After a beat or two, Shun decided that the best way to ask her is to just go ahead and do it. "Ruri," he began, "would you, uh, like to --" his head gestured toward the dance floor, "like to dance? With me?" Trying to appear graceful he offered his hand to her.

He was breathless when she smiled, nodded, and took his hand.

* * *

They danced for about five songs already, some to upbeat tunes, some to slow, smooth jazz, but neither was ready to leave the dance floor.

Or to let go of each other.

The band struck a slow rhythm -- probably a Western song, Shun didn't know. He asked with his eyes if Ruriko was still open to another round of dancing; in answer she leaned her head on his shoulder and swayed to the music.

She loved the feel of her body close to his. As if they fit... like two links on a chain. He was getting distracted yet again, by the sweet scent of her shampoo, but forced himself to about over his resolution earlier, of telling Ruri of his feelings for her.

His resolve was fading. He felt today was not a good time to be bombarding her with such intense confessions of love.

Indeed, courage was eluding him still...

But for as long as she swayed in his arms, and she let him hold her as close as he dared -- so close, that he was sure she could smell his aftershave -- he couldn't really mind.

Maybe he'd find a way to tell her later on, but for now...

He could only wish the moment would last forever.

to be continued.

~ varon
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