Eternal Melody

YUHI

'I wonder if Sumire remembers yet, and if she doesn't remember. Maybe he ought to tell her. I don't want to keep secrets from her in this life. It's because I kept secrets from her in their seventh life that things ended up the way they did.'

Even before the wedding incident, he was suspicious of Hikaru. From the moment Sumire introduced him, he felt that there was something wrong. As a witch doctor, he saw so many corrupted individuals. The moment he shook Hikaru's hand, he felt the corruption.

He should have told her, and they could have found a solution together. But instead, Yuhi shuddered, recalling the girl being stabbed. Never again, it will never happen again.

'I won't allow anyone to hurt her that way again.'

But, these promises have been broken already. He asked Hino to show him the memories of what happened when he and Sumire were taken. Yuhi felt sick just thinking about the scene of her heart being ripped out.

"Five minutes." Yuhi mumbled.

Sumire sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "My dear, you have to tell me more about hanyous yourself. I have done my research, so I understand there is a strong need and desire-- but I think yours is on another level."

"You're just too pretty, you're always distracting me when we're in the same room."

"That's just you being silly."

Yuhi licked her neck and she moaned softly. "Yuhi--"

"What a nice voice."

He is being so selfish and yet he truly can't pull away from her anymore. He knows he shouldn't do this, shouldn't do this in a public place. A place where there are the other guys around who like her. But, it's too late to stop now. He wants her more than anything,

...

Hearing coughing, Yuhi turned around to see Hino. Yuhi cleared his throat as he fixed his pants and shirt buttons.

"You're out of control." Hino commented.

Yuhi exhaled deeply. "and you're watching her too much."

"I have to, she gets into trouble too often."

He can't refute those words unfortunately. Yuhi kept staring at her. God she is so pretty. Hearing her laughter, Yuhi's gaze softened. She really does smile more now.

"Are you really returning to the hall smelling like that?"

Yuhi shrugged. "You know, I don't care what they think."

Rather, this is good for him. Since they came to this cruise.?So many guys have been looking at her.

'I have been doing my best to control my jealousy, but it's hard.'

Especially since she has become more beautiful.

"Did you see that message I sent?"

Hino nodded. "Yeah, there is some free time with no events for a few days so you two can go without being noticed."

Even though Hino was the one that told them that Lucifer wanted to meet with them. Yuhi noticed that he didn't enter the room with them. Hino doesn't talk much about the time he spent being tortured by Lucifer, but it clearly affects him.

Hino catches him staring and hits him across the head. "I'm fine, don't worry."

"Yeah you say that but-"

Hino shakes his head. "I'd rather you focus on yourself, and Sumire."

'Hino has done a lot for us, one day I want to be able to do something to repay him. But I can't think of anything. How can we repay someone who has sacrificed everything for our sakes?' Sumire's words echoed in his head. Indeed, he has to agree with her there.

Sumire walked over and grabbed hold of his hands. "My dear?"

"Hm?"

"I want to dance."

Yuhi nodded and was about to lead her to the dance floor. But Sumire shakes her head and continues to stare at him. No, the girl's attention was on his lips.

"I want to kiss you first." Sumire declared.

He almost choked on the drink he was drinking. Yuhi turned to her and sees her intense gaze on him.

'I thought I was the one staring at her too much. But, that's not the case here.'

"Wait a second." Yuhi looked around.

They need a quiet place-- His thoughts break off feeling the girl's intense stare again. Geez, forget it.

Yuhi wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down to kiss her. It was just a brief kiss, and Sumire tilted her head puzzled when he looked away.

He already knew that people were staring at them and whispering. But Sumire tugged on his shirt.

"Is that all?"

'I really can't win against her.' Yuhi responded by kissing her deeply. From the moment this relationship began, this girl has had him wrapped around her finger.

Hearing a coughing sound behind them.

Yuhi expected to see Hino again but it wasn't Hino but Mashima, he immediately pulled Sumire away from him.

"The other ship is ready, let's switch." Toh said formally. "Both of you have gotten everything sorted correct?"

Sumire nodded and she rushed to the twins who were inside a stroller. "Okay you two, behave. Me and your father will go for a few days."

The twins were fast asleep so they couldn't hear Sumire but it was almost like they knew. At the very least Kyoko seemed visibly uncomfortable since her little face twisted.

"Ssh," Sumire kissed the girl's forehead. "I'll come back soon."

__________________________

On the 'ship.' Yuhi just finished packing his and Sumire's belongings into their cabin. After making sure the place was cleaned properly, he exited the room to call Sumire back inside. But instead he found her on the couch with Mashima, sitting very closely together.

Mashima was passing Sumire a drink and was looking at her with a concerned expression.

"Drink this, you won't get sea sick."

"Thank you!" Sumire thanked him and took a sip of the beverage, "Oh it's sweet."

"Just like you beautiful."

Sumire laughed. "You're as good as ever with flattery."

Yuhi flinched. How did mashima get away?with a line like that? Simple. For Sumire, Mashima has always been like this.

"Are you tired?"

"A little."

Mashima leaned Sumire towards him.

"I'm fine Toh."

"Are you sure? You know this may seem like odd advice. But, doing it without rest is a bit too much."

"Oh hush, we did rest--" Sumire paused. "You know I don't have enough stamina."

"Right, you always fall asleep right after."

Yuhi just stood there frozen.

How can they talk about this so casually?

Sumire pouted. "You always lull me to sleep afterwards, so I got used to it."

Toh chuckled. "I see so you got that habit from your time with me?"

Sumire sighed. "I got many bad habits from you."

"You did." Toh plays with her hair. "I didn't think you'd refuse for Mamoru to come here."

"Ru is still sick. I don't want him to protect me and make it worst."

'I think what upsets me more is not to see them practically cuddling. But, the fact that Sumire is so comfortable around Mashima.'