Haruka and Rai's Japanese Adventure

[Nicolette]

Ryotaro led the way from the airport terminal, leading them out to the parking lot where the car waited. It was an older model, but Haruka didn't quite mind. She knew where the family's money was going... They didn't need to spend money on fancy cars.

The ride from the airport to the home of Ryotaro and Tsukiko wasn't very long and they were soon standing in the hallway of the upstairs bedrooms. Haruka was situating herself in her bedroom, and Rai was shown to the guest bedroom right next to Haruka's.

While Rai unpacked, Haruka appeared at his door. "Dinner will be ready soon. Finish unpacking and then wash up. Bathroom is at the end of the hall, closest to the stairs."

With that, she left the room, presumably to head back to her own room.

[Faye]

Rai looked out the window constantly as they rode out of the airport car park, looking at all the buildings and the rest of the scenery. It brought back memories of his home life before going to the T'zenshin Institute. His smile fell once he remembered his reason for going to the Institute in the first place but still, it was nice to be back in his home country.

He then found himself standing the hall way of the upstairs bedrooms of Haruka's grandparents place, he stood there, looking at the place. It was so weird to be in a normal house, he was so used to being in his dormitory. When Haruka gave him directions to the bathroom and instructions before dinner, he nodded, walking into his room. There was no aquarium against the wall, there was no television in there, it was a tad bland but it was a guest's room and it wasn't like he was going to live there...

Lifting his suitcase onto the bed, Rai unzipped it and flipped it open. Inside was his shabby packed clothes and everything else he needed. They would all be crinkled now... he wondered if her grandparents had an iron or anything. He decided against getting all his clothes out and just left them in the suitcase but he got his chargers out of the carry on bag and a few things he needed to be out so he didn't have to worry about where they were.

He then exited his bedroom where he walked down the hall towards the bathroom where Haruka had said it was. He went inside, noting that it was a bit bigger than the one at the dormitories but looked kind of small as well. He went to the basin and begun washing his hands for dinner.

[Nicolette]

Dinner was uneventful. Haruka's grandparents made casual talk with Rai and Haruka sat quietly, picking at her food occasionally. She didn't have much of an appetite now that she was actually in Japan. She couldn't stop her heart from pounding in her chest. Her grandparents were so casual about the whole ordeal, but Haruka knew this wasn't just some pleasure vacation.

Tsukiko Amagi was in the hospital.

Tsukiko had been a mere shell of a person since she'd lost her husband. Sure, she'd tried to keep going over the years, but soon, her hope disappeared and she knew that there was no chance of seeing Yuusuke again. He had been captured and likely killed. She gave up hope, and soon... She began to lose herself.

The last time Haruka had seen her mother, during the Winter Break, her mother had gotten violent, screaming Yuusuke's name whenever she saw Haruka. For this, Haruka had stayed with her grandparents rather than with her mother that break. Haruka didn't mind her mother's violence... But it wasn't something she needed Rai seeing...

"Oh, and Ruka-chan?" Haruka looked up at the sound of Yukari's voice. "We'll be leaving tomorrow around ten thirty. She gets out of therapy around eleven, so we should be arriving shortly after."

Haruka was silent as she stared at her grandmother for a moment. She then turned her eyes back down to her food. "Yes, Grandmother." She replied, her voice cool. She then rose from the table, picking up her plate of barely-eaten food. "I think I will retire early tonight... I'm feeling extreme jet-lag from the plane ride..."

She went to the kitchen, placing her plate on the counter, before exiting through the other entrance of the kitchen and heading for the stairs that led up to the bedrooms.

[Faye]

Trying not to wolf down his food, Rai sat politely at the table and ate, reasonable sized bites of his food, chewing and swallowing before picking up another fork full of food. He wanted to make a good impression on Haruka's grandparents despite how hungry he felt and how much he wished to just... inhale the entire plate.

Rai's eyes flickered onto Haruka's grandmother as she spoke to her granddaughter about what time they would have to be up and ready. Aw, the crack of dawn even. Ah well, he was enjoying meeting some of Haruka's family.

He watched Haruka with worried eyes as she walked into the kitchen with her barely touched plate of food. He then turned back to his plate which had only one mouthful left on it and he gobbled that up and excused himself from the table to go see Haruka in the kitchen. "Are you alright?" He asked as his empty plate was slid gently underneath hers.

[Nicolette]

The lithe girl lingered at the door, her hand gripping the doorframe gently as her eyes locked on the stairs. She was silent for a long moment before she let out a soft sigh.

She spoke in English, in order to keep her grandparents from overhearing the conversation. "They're so calm about the whole situation." Her voice was quiet, and slightly cold. "Have they given up? Are they convinced that things aren't going to get better, so they'd rather just move on?" She shook her head slowly, shutting her eyes as she took in a deep breath. "Hell if I know."

She was quiet for another moment, and before Rai could respond, she spoke again. "I am going to bed. I will see you in the morning... And tomorrow..." She paused for a moment. "Tomorrow... There is a chance that you may see something. Something you may not like. I pray to Kami that things don't turn sour..."

She shook her head again and sighed. "Good night, Rai-kun." She started for the stairs.

[Faye]

For a moment, Rai wanted to embrace her from behind to comfort her, she was going through such a rough time and obviously wanted others to feel the same as she was. Unfortunately for him he couldn't feel that way, his parents were fine (at least to his knowledge). All he could do was comfort her and go through the process with her, being by her side always.

"Haruka, I--" Before he could even think of the words he was going to say after those, she cut him off with a good night and she left the kitchen, to the stairs. He froze for a moment, letting her words sink into his mind, something he might not like? He started after her and without another word he gave wrapped his arms gently around her from behind.

"You sleep well tonight," He whispered into her ear and he then left to go help her grandparents clear the table and wash up.

[Nicolette]

Haruka's breath caught in her throat as she felt Rai wrap his arms around her, pressing her back into his chest. He held her for a moment and Haruka's heart raced. The feeling of his warm breath on her ear as he whispered his good night caused shivers to run down her spine. He turned to leave and she glanced back at him, her eyes slightly wide.

She watched him leave the kitchen to go back to the dining room and she turned, running up the stairs to her bedroom. With her door shut behind her and securely locked, she walked shakily to her bed and collapsed on it, shaking.

Sleep overcame her about twenty minutes later, tears sliding down her cheeks as she slept.


~*~*~*~*~


Haruka was already downstairs by the time ten o'clock rolled around. Yukari had served breakfast, but she had declined and spent her time sitting outside on a soft bench out on the porch, her eyes locked on the suburban street in front of her.

This suburban street was the first street she'd lived on. Before then, she had lived in an apartment located near the secret lab, and a lot of her time was spent being tested and examined in the lab for her intelligence.

She slid her eyes shut, letting out a soft sigh. They'd be leaving soon, and Haruka wasn't sure if she could even handle going. If Rai hadn't been there, she would have run from the house and disappeared for the day... But she couldn't abandon her friend.... So she would have to suck up the courage to do this.

[Faye]

Predictable Rai woke up late. He had less time than everyone else to get ready for their day out wherever they were going, and he needed to have breakfast. He had thrown on a pair of dark coloured jeans, his socks (since Japanese people didn't wear outside shoes inside) and a random t-shirt that conveniently matched quite well.

Down stairs he politely took a plate of breakfast that Haruka's grandmother had served up, he thanked her and went to sit down but he found that Haruka was outside. He went out there, carrying his plate of food. He then leaned against the wall of the house, "How are you this morning?" He asked as he ate a mouthful of the food on his plate. His hair was a mess, in desperate need of a good brush and maybe even some gel to keep it from going everywhere.

[Nicolette]

Despite the weather being a little warmer as the spring had come into bloom, the girl was dressed in a shirt that had large black and grey horizontal stripes down it. A black knee length skirt covered her upper legs and her feet were hidden by white socks and black dress shoes. Her glasses were set in place upon her nose, and her hair was worn back in a loose braid down her back.

Haruka glanced slightly at Rai when the door opened and he casually ate while leaning against the house. She was quiet as she turned her attention back to the street.

"Fine." She lied.

[Faye]

Since her grandparents weren't actually watching him ear, Rai wolfed down the plate of food as quietly as he could, it was gone within a few seconds of Haruka glancing back at the streets. He bought her lie without a second thought and nodded, "Ah well that's good then," He chirped as he walked back inside to the kitchen. He rinsed his plate under the cool water and placed it softly on the bench.

He then escaped up to their guest room where he was staying and looked in the mirror. His eyes widened at the sight of his hair and he frantically reached for his brush. He put the brush through his dyed hair, wincing as the brush caught hold of knots but his hair was eventually nice and knot free. He brought out a small container of gel, rubbing it on his hands. His hands then styled his hair the way he wanted it and he went into the bathroom to wash his hands free of the hardening gel.

Once back in the room he looked at his attire, it was fine and could pass. He slipped his phone into his pocket and his iPod without it's head phones, who knew when he might get a bit bored? Haruka wasn't talking much so it would be a possibility.

He then went down the stairs and back outside to wait with Haruka until her grandparents were ready to head off.

[Nicolette]

It wasn't long before Ryotaro and Yukari joined the teenagers outside. Haruka rose from the bench silently and followed her grandparents to the car.

The ride was forty-five minutes, but it was the fastest forty-five minutes of her life; maybe it was because she didn't want to be there. She wanted to be back at T'zen Island, enjoying her Spring Break to its fullest with people she'd become familiar with. The only thing she was thankful for was the fact that Rai was there, even if she didn't want him to see what might happen.

They arrived at the Aiiku Hospital parking lot. They were permitted to park closer to the entrance due to the status of Ryotaro and Yukari as elders and Ryotaro's bad hip. The four climbed out of the car and Haruka's expression was hard as they approached the hospital entrance.

The stench of the hospital was almost enough to make Haruka turn right back around and leave. She HATED the smell of hospitals. She scowled and glared at the ground as her grandparents led the way through the building. As they walked, Haruka reached over and grabbed hold of Rai's hand, squeezing hard as she breathed through her teeth, as if refusing to breathe through her nose.

They entered the elevator and went up the fifth floor. Haruka was curious as to why they were keeping Tsukiko in a normal hospital, considering her mother had been such an unstable woman for the past few years.

Her heart pound hard in her chest. She felt like one minute, she was sitting outside her grandparent's house... And the next, she was standing in front of her mother's hospital room. The name Amagi Tsukiko was written on the paper above the room number, and it seemed the woman was roomed alone.

Yukari and Ryotaro spoke quietly with a nurse while Haruka stared at the door. Her grip on Rai's hand intensified.

[Faye]

While waiting, the two sat in silence, an awkward silence which Rai was having trouble coping with. He wished Haruka would be more social with him but he had to remember what she was going through (not that he knew, he just assumed something bad was happening). He stood up and got into the car when her grandparents were finally ready to get going and they set off for the hospital.

The forty-five minute drive was long for Rai, he watched the buildings fly them by as they drove through the busy streets, mainly busy with people. He spotted a group of young girls giggling and carrying on on a street corner, he crinkled his nose up at them. They were bound to get into some trouble...

Finally they arrived at the hospital, which was called Aiiku once Rai read the sign. For once he didn't have to walk a long distance to the front entrance. Once inside instead of being disgusted by the foul hospital smell, he was taken a back by the noise inside, as quiet as it was he could hear surgeons talking, babies screaming as they were being born and people's heart monitors beeping. He felt a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach.

That feeling vanished and was replaced with butterflies when he felt a hand grip his own, he glanced over to see Haruka was glaring at the floor and gripping his hand. He gently rubbed her hand with his thumb to try comfort her.

The elevator was a bit quieter than the rest of the place but he now could hear the people in it breathe. Not something he enjoyed. The elevator dinged and stopped, opening it's doors to Rai's joy and they stepped out into the ward halls. The room they arrived at said 'Amagi Tsukiko'. It was obviously a relative of Haruka's, perhaps her mother or someone, but he wouldn't ask.

A sharp pain sensation surged from his hand, Haruka was gripping his hand quite firmly now, he jerked a little but he forced himself to relax and take it, Haruka needed the support.

[Nicolette]

"The doctor said that she is ready for some visitors. How about you go in before us, Ruka-chan?" Yukari encouraged her granddaughter as she turned to her.

Haruka stared at the door for a long moment before she took a hesitant step toward it. She tugged Rai along behind her and she brought her free hand to the door handle. She stood motionless for another long moment before she took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

She led Rai inside and the door was left slightly open, but mostly closed. She stepped just beyond the sight of the curtain and there the woman sat.

The woman had long, flowing black hair that fell down her shoulders and covered the thin hospital gown on her frail body. She was quite pale, her skin tone rivaling Haruka's. She was very beautiful and when her hazel eyes rose up, Haruka stopped breathing.

The only sound that could be heard was the sound of Tsukiko's heart moniter as mother and daughter locked eyes.

"H...Ha...Haru...?" The woman's voice was small and frail, her eyes widening, looking frightened. "Is... is that you, Haru-chan...?"

Haruka's eyes softened and she immediately released Rai's hand as she walked up to her mother's bedside. She took the woman's small hand gently in hers and pet it lightly as she gave a small nod.

"Yes, it is me, Mother." Her voice had softened.

"Oh, Haru-chan! Haru-chan!!!" Tsukiko began to sob as she clutched her daughter's arm. She pulled Haruka forward, wrapping her arms around Haruka's neck and hugging her close. Haruka's eyes widened a bit, but she let the woman hug her for a moment before she slowly moved out of the embrace.

"It is nice to see you too, Mother." Haruka rose her hand to brush through Tsukiko's hair. She glanced back at Rai for a moment. "A...ah... I brought a friend along... From school."

Tsukiko peeked out from around Haruka, her wide eyes looking over Rai. Haruka moved her hand behind her and made a motion for Rai to stay where he was.

[Faye]

Rai remained silent as he was led to the door of the patients room where it seemed no one else was in since no other names were placed around the name Amagi Tsukiko. Inside the room was dark and a frail and weak voice was heard from the bed that stood out as if it glowed due to the white sheets and blankets.

Haruka had let go of his hand and had gone to her mother's side (he picked that up from conversation). He remained at the door and before Haruka could even think about telling him to stay where he was he did anyway, he wasn't going to interrupt their little reunion but he did lift a hand to wave weakly to Haruka's mother.

[Nicolette]

Tsukiko sniffled a little as she gripped the material of Haruka's sleeve. She looked back up at her daughter after a moment and she stared up at Haruka's face, her eyes wide. She gripped Haruka's arm tighter, tears spilling down her perfect little face.

"Haru-chan..." She said, her voice breaking as she sniffled. She shook Haruka's arm. "Is this boy the reason you haven't come to see me in so long?"

"Not at all, Mother. I have been in school on the Island, so it's been quite difficult for me to come visit you." Haruka said, trying to calm her mother. But the woman wouldn't calm.

"Do you not want to see me anymore?!" The woman cried out. "It's been such a long time since I've seen you!"

"That's because I spent my Fall and Winter Breaks with Grandmother and Grandfather. You..." Haruka broke her sentence there, not daring to continue on with it. She picked up another subject. "Look, I'm here right now. Isn't that enough?"

Suddenly, Tsukiko reached up and swung her hand up at Haruka's cheek, slapping her hard. Haruka stood her ground, though her head turned from the contact of the hand against her cheek. Her glasses slipped and since she was unable to move her hands for the moment, they fell to the floor.

"Don't you dare speak to me that way, Haru!" Tsukiko scolded, her voice increasing in volume. Haruka whipped her head back to look at her mother, and when she looked at the blurr that she believed was Tsukiko, she realized her mistake.

Tsukiko's eyes widened and she reached her hands forward, grabbing Haruka's shirt and jerking her forward. She reached up and gripped Haruka's hair, moving the girl around and she let out a scream.

"YUUSUKE!!!" She shrieked, shaking Haruka. The younger girl reached up, trying to free herself from her mother's grip. "WHY DO YOU LOOK LIKE MY YUUSUKE?!"

"Because I'm your DAUGHTER!" Haruka cried out, her voice desperate. She tried to jerk back from her mother. "Rai, get the doctor!!!" She screamed as her mother continued to shake her, pulling hard at her hair.