Takeo – Chapter Six of State of Grace!
Sorata – Long hiatus huh?
Takeo _ ^_^;; Yup, Warnings of angst. Thoughts are in italics!

Chapter Six: Home

Two weeks later, Fuuma was released into his own custody and was sent home. Nataku accompanied him; the android, walking beside Fuuma with a smile on his face. He had decided with his Wish to become a young man, free of the restrictions of his past, thus allowing him to become fully human and possess a soul. Fuuma had sensed the change in Nataku and had concluded that he preferred Nataku this way. It let the android experience new sensations and has a consciousness of his own. The two were currently walking towards his family’s shrine, the street littered with fallen sakura petals. It was turning to autumn and a crisp cool breeze ruffled the fallen petals as they crunched under the two boys’ feet.

“Fuuma, what are you going to do now that we’re free from fighting?” Nataku asked as his blue eyes traveled over Fuuma’s features, resting on the Fuuma’s bandaged wrists. Fuuma closed his golden eyes, his lips sent in a sad smile.

“I’ll probably go back to school. I know that my father has money saved up for emergencies, but it’ll give my life focus again.” Fuuma replied after a moment’s thought.

“Do you think I could go to school with you?” Nataku asked as the two entered the shrine.

“I don’t know. I mean we would have to create some sort of history for you so that the authorities don’t get suspicious.” Fuuma replied as he halted, his eyes surprised to find a stranger standing at the entrance to his home. Nataku fell into a defensive stance, ready to defend Fuuma.

“I’m sorry to have startled you gentlemen.” The man spoke as he stepped out of the shadows. Fuuma remembered the man hazily but wasn’t sure who he was.

“Who are you sir?” Fuuma asked as his golden eyes narrowed.

“I’m the president of the Clamp Academy. I know of all the events that have taken place. Kamui told me where to find you.” The man spoke as he nodded his gray head in thought.

“Oh.” Fuuma replied. Nataku relaxed, his eyes shifting from the older man to Fuuma.

“I have come to extend an invitation for you and Nataku to continue your studies for free at the Academy. No one on the campus knows any of the seven seals or angels. You will get a fresh start without any unpleasantness. Please consider my offer and call me to let me know of your decision.” The man spoke as he handed Fuuma his card and walked out of the compound. Fuuma twirled the card with his fingers and placed it into the back pocket of his tattered pair of jeans.

“Will you consider it then?” Nataku spoke softly as they entered the house beside the shrine. Fuuma took off his shoes and sat on the small wooden stoop. He placed his head in his hands, a small sigh escaping his lips.

“We should you know? I mean, we get a fresh start. And you won’t be bored.” Fuuma replied as he tilted his head to the side to see Nataku who had sat next to him. Nataku’s eyes lit up and he smiled.

“Then we’ll go.” Nataku replied. The two sat for a moment and Fuuma got to his feet.

“Well, it’s been months since I’ve been home. I’m going to start cleaning and pack up father and Kotori’s things and put them away for safe keeping. Would you like to help me?” Fuuma asked as he looked down the long corridor.

“Of course Fuuma.” Nataku replied, a blush staining the android’s pale cheeks. Fuuma laughed with ease and ruffled Nataku’s hair. The two walked in and began their cleaning with the kitchen. Fuuma finished cleaning his father’s room fairly quickly since he and Kotori had started packing his things up when he passed away. Entering Kotori’s room, Fuuma felt a sadness wash through him as the room’s light pink color reminded him of his sister’s personality. He packed away her toys and books with loving care, and folded up her favorite comforter. He labeled the boxes with his sister’s label maker and sat in the middle of the bare room, letting tears overcome him as he relieved her death at his hands. After an hour, he forced himself to his feet and left Kotori’s room, shutting it behind him. Further down the hall was his room, and Fuuma dreaded to enter it, his rape only too fresh in his mind.

“Fuuma?” Nataku called as he emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish cloth. Nataku had washed the dust that had settled over the dishes in the kitchen area and had cleaned up the living room. It was very dark outside, the wind howling loudly as it fought with rumpled leaves.

“Yes Nataku?” Fuuma asked as he paused at his door, his long fingers resting against the plain handle.

“What’s wrong?” Nataku asked as he approached Fuuma, concern in his blue eyes. Fuuma remembered that the only person who knew of his rape was Kakyou and Fuuma refused to burden Nataku with his problems.

“It’s nothing really. I was just preparing myself. I have a rather plain sense of fashion you know.” Fuuma quipped, trying to lighten the mood. Nataku laughed.

“I guess that was the only good attribute that /Kamui/ had.” Nataku spoke as he placed his hand on Fuuma’s shoulder. Fuuma nodded and opened the door. The room was as clean as he had left it. His futon was against a wall, riddled with prints of woodblock paintings. Fuuma entered his room, Nataku behind him, shutting the door. A small clock hung on the wall, indicating the time to be half past ten. Fuuma sat at the chair at his desk, organized with his books on the right and small samurai figurines lining the length of the wooden desk. Nataku opened the closet door and his hands touched the soft fabrics of Fuuma’s various shirts.

“I guess I’ll do some shopping then.” Fuuma spoke as he looked through the curtains of his window. Nataku nodded silently.

“Come on, there’s still some edible food in the house.” Nataku spoke as he felt Fuuma’s eyes taking in the scene of his life with sadness.

“You mean you found the ramen stash?” Fuuma asked as he and Nataku left the room.

“Yes. We’ll have to go grocery shopping tomorrow. And it’s a Saturday, so all the stores will be open early.” Nataku said as he led Fuuma to the kitchen.

“Good call.” Fuuma replied as he and Nataku stood around the counter in what was an island kitchen. They opened up the packets of ramen and prepared them. By eleven o’clock, the two sat down to a quiet dinner. Nataku watched Fuuma intensely, feeling emotions radiating outwards from Fuuma. You are so different from /Kamui/. You are human and vulnerable, and you think before you speak, careful to be polite and passive. You are different from the man I called leader, different from the man who reminded me so much of my father. I could see you within /him/ and that was what made me feel…your humanity.

“Fuuma?” Nataku asked as the tanned skinned boy drained the contents of his bowl, happy to have hot food in his stomach. Fuuma blushed at the intensity of Nataku’s eyes.

“Yes Nataku?” Fuuma replied as he rose from his seat, taking Nataku’s empty bowl to the sink to wash them.

“Don’t be sad. Don’t live in your past.” Nataku spoke as he watched Fuuma wash the dishes. Fuuma’s hands paused if for a moment before continuing their movement.

“I’ll try, with all my heart.” Fuuma replied, his voice thick with emotion. The two remained in silence until Fuuma was preparing for bed. Nataku sat on Fuuma’s bed, dressed in a pair of Fuuma’s old pjs. They were a bit big on Nataku but the android did not mind. They smelled of Fuuma’s scent and it pleased him greatly. Fuuma stared at his reflection in his bathroom mirror. His dark bronze skin looked much healthier than it did when Nataku pulled him out of the rubble. His wrists, as he untied his bandages still had dark bruises but they were slowly fading, and the proof that he had really died, the spot where the shinken had plunged through him was a thin scar on his chest. Fuuma hastily pulled on his cotton white shirt and turned off the lights in the bathroom. He walked back to his room and found Nataku expectantly waiting for him. Fuuma blushed again. He remembered asking Nataku at the hospital to tell him everything that /Kamui/ had done in an effort to understand all that had happened since the only interactions he had with the outside world where when /Kamui/ let him experience having sex with Seishirou and the death of his sister.

“Tomorrow, we’ll set up the guest room as your own room.” Fuuma spoke as he climbed into his bed, Nataku immediately snuggling closer to Fuuma. Fuuma tensed up and then forced himself to relax as Nataku’s breathing brushed against his skin.

“I don’t mean to frighten you Fuuma. I always wanted to be close to you.” Nataku murmured happily. Fuuma nodded. If I can bring happiness into your life, it is truly a gift.

“I’m okay. It’s just…well…no one has wanted to be that close to me.” Fuuma replied as he pulled the covers over him and Nataku.

“Seishirou wanted to. He was the one that took care of you that night you tried to commit suicide.” Nataku replied as he remembered the sad look in the assassin’s eyes.

“Seishirou…he said he loved me. But he only came to see me that one time in the hospital. I guess maybe he was in love with /Kamui/ or something. He doesn’t care about me. I’m broken.” Fuuma whispered, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, hot tears spilling down his face. Nataku brushed the tears away.

“I don’t believe it. He, Kakyou and I…we somehow knew towards the end that you were still alive inside /Kamui/. Seishirou doesn’t seem like the type to be fooled easily.” Nataku replied.

“I suppose you’re right. I still wish that I could have talked to him…to thank him for what he did.” Fuuma replied his fingers gripping his blanket tightly.

“Thank him for what?” Nataku asked. Fuuma’s mind raced to the night at the hotel when Seishirou took him, filling Fuuma in a way that he could never describe. I can’t tell Nataku that!

“For taking me out for ice-cream.” Fuuma quickly spoke, trying to hide his embarrassment at the silly fib. Nataku nodded in understanding.

“Okay. Maybe there’ll be an ice-cream shop at the Clamp Campus and we can go there for lunch.” Nataku replied as he shut his eyes.

“Maybe.” Fuuma replied, closing his eyes. On his first night back home, Fuuma’s sleep was restful and quiet.

~*~*~*~*~

The weekend was spent with a general feeling of comfort in the air as Fuuma and Nataku shopped. By Sunday evening they bought clothes, groceries, music and things to decorate Nataku’s room. They made the once desolate shrine alive again with sounds of music echoing out of Fuuma and Nataku’s respective rooms. The android found music that he was interested in and was enjoying every minute of being human. They called the president of the Clamp Academy who was happy that they had accepted his offer and he had some of his people deliver school uniforms to the two boys. Fuuma was currently making a dinner of rice, steamed vegetables and beef while Nataku had headphones glued to his ears he listened to classical piano. Fuuma hummed to himself, as he tossed vegetables into the wok pan, a small radio playing in the kitchen that looked positively cheery. The door bell rang and Nataku heard it through his headphones and ran to get it. Fuuma raised an eyebrow at the feat but carried on with his work.

“Fuuma!” the golden eyed boy’s guest yelled. Fuuma looked up from his chopping. He saw Kamui standing next to Nataku who had a comical expression on his face.

“Hello Kamui.” Fuuma smiled as he waved to his friend.

“What, no hug?” Kamui asked as he walked up to Fuuma, his violet eyes bright.

“It’s more polite this way you know?” Fuuma replied as he nevertheless gave Kamui a quick hug.

“Fu-kun?” Nataku asked as he stood on Fuuma’s other side, headphones resting around his neck.

“Hai Nata-kun?” Fuuma replied as he ushered Kamui into the living room.

“Subaru’s on his way, I can hear him.” Nataku whispered.

“Okay. I mean he is Kamui’s boyfriend.” Fuuma whispered back as he winked at Nataku, returning his attention to his cooking.

“Do you need help Fuuma?” Kamui asked as he walked back o the kitchen, Nataku running to the front door to let the spiritualist in before he even rang the bell. Subaru was surprised to see the android dressed in a black turtleneck and jeans, looking positively chummy.

“Welcome to our home Subaru-san. We were expecting you.” Nataku spoke as he let Subaru in. Subaru nodded.

“Thank you Nataku.” Subaru responded quietly, making his way to the kitchen to where Fuuma and Kamui were talking.

“Good evening Subaru-san. Would you like to join us for diner?” Fuuma asked as he shook Subaru’s hand.

“Kamui insisted. He’s thrilled that you’ll be going to the same school as he is, along with Sorata, Arashi and Yuzuriha.” Subaru spoke as he sat next to Kamui at the dinning table, Kamui stealing a kiss from his lover. Nataku came back in, and helped Fuuma dish out the food, taking his place next to Fuuma at the opposite side of the table.

“We got this for you.” Kamui spoke as he nudged Subaru. Subaru looked embarrassed but produced a bottle of sake and a bento box full of pocky.

“Yuzuriha sent the pocky. She’s obsessed.” Subaru spoke as he handed the gifts to Fuuma.

“Thank you very much. I’ll thank her properly if I see her.” Fuuma spoke as he smiled. The four quietly began eating, Subaru watching Fuuma carefully. Whatever feelings he had for Kamui have died down. He’s more concerned with being a good friend. But what about Seishirou? the onmuyuji wondered as the three youths made small talk as they ate, a comfortable atmosphere settling over the table. Dinner was done by ten and Fuuma cleared the dishes while Nataku led Subaru and Kamui to the living room, telling them about the things that he and Fuuma had done over the weekend. Fuuma entered the living room fifteen minutes later and settled down on a bench in the corner of the living room.

“Are you guys okay living on your own?” Kamui asked as Nataku excused himself for a moment.

“Yes. I’ll probably get a part time job to pay for the bills but everything will be okay.” Fuuma replied.

“Well, we must be on our way. Come on Kamui.” Subaru spoke as he rose from his seat. Fuuma and Nataku led their guests to the front door and saw them out.

“I’ll see you tomorrow guys. Don’t be late.” Kamui said with a small laugh as he shook their hands eagerly. The two nodded.

“Goodnight Fuuma and Nataku.” Subaru spoke as he bowed. Fuuma and Nataku did the same and Subaru and Kamui walked off, their voices low as they spoke to one another. Fuuma shut the door as Nataku entered the house.

“I’m off to bed Fuuma. Do you want me to wake you up in the morning?” Nataku asked as he opened the door to his room.

“Sure. We have to catch the train. It’s a two hour ride to the Clamp Campus.” Fuuma spoke as he opened his door.

“Okay then, good night Fu-kun.” Nataku spoke as he entered his room.

“Good night Nata-kun.” Fuuma replied as he shut the door to his own room. Fuuma landed on his bed with a thud and turned off the lights. He was happy to see that Kamui and Subaru were together because Fuuma saw that sparkle of happiness in his friend’s eyes, and that was what he has always wanted to protect. But where does that leave you Seishirou? Do you still love Subaru? Will I ever see you again? Fuuma closed his eyes, lulled to sleep by the scent of crisp sakura petals. He heard a voice in his dreams calling him closer and Fuuma felt himself being enfolded in strong arms. He saw the flash of Seishirou’s dark eyes and a comforting presence filled him.

End of chapter six

Takeo – Damn, I’m itching to get to the real action which is next chapter!
Sorata – One question, where the hell is Seishirou?
Seishirou- I’m right here.
Takeo – AHH! Stop sneaking up on people you psycho!
Seishirou - ::pouts::
Takeo – Add, must… overcome…sexy bishounen. ::fails miserably and decides to glomp Fuuma::
Seishirou – Hey! You were supposed to glomp me! :Takeo glomps Seishirou & Fuuma:: Much better!