Unselfish Wish

Chapter 8- Sweet Jealousy

"Yes, Saotome-san?" How unexpected, he thought. Perhaps she's going to try and scare me away? She was diligent and protective, and he appreciated it enough to like her despite the fact that she obviously did not trust him. Yet.

"Er, well, Moriyama-san, I actually need your help with something." Now she looked even more uncomfortable.

"Yes, of course." He said, and she looked very surprised.

"Even though I'm so..." Her arms moved up and down as if she wasn’t sure exactly what word to put on her behavior.

"Protective of Tachibana-san?" He supplied.

"Right." He could have said something less pleasant, of course, but she was Fumiko’s best friend. He needed to be able to talk to her, and if possible, be friendly.

"Well, I guess it's that. She never had any other friends but me, so I'm glad she found someone that puts her first, since she always puts others first." He said reasonably.

"I know! Why can't she see her value? It bothers me so much." She stopped, mildly upset with herself for speaking so comfortably with one of the wolves. "Anyway, as hard as it is to say, I think you know better what to get her for a birthday gift, so I was hoping you'd help me select one." She looked down, afraid he'd say no. He smiled. So that was it.

"Of course I will help you, though to be honest I won't know it til I see it. I do know her favorite treats are green tea mochi, and pretty much anything green tea, but in terms of gifts she would like, I'm not certain."

"Green tea?" Hinata laughed. "That's so her! Maybe I should get her a yukata. What do you think?"

"Well, I think she's fit for the palace of the gods, so I don't know. Perhaps you could show me?"

"That's an odd thing to say. The palace of the gods? Indeed, if it existed, she would suit such a place." He realized as she said this, that perhaps he'd better be careful or this one would figure him out. "Alright, let's go together then. Don't tell Fumiko, okay?" She walked away. Maybe he's not so bad after all, she thought, smiling to herself.

Fumiko noticed them together, for as much as she lacked self-awareness, she was very much aware of others. It was her nature after all. Her immediate reaction was a bit of panic. For some reason, she wanted to get between them. It had been easier to see them fight than together and laughing. She hid herself, wondering what they were discussing with such animation.

Suddenly, a tear fell onto her arm. Shocked, she dabbed at her eyes. The tears would not stop. She ran to the bathroom, hiding in a stall. Why was she upset? She hadn't really cried once since moving to Tokyo. Why now? She was very quiet for a few minutes, thinking carefully. She stood suddenly. I am in love with Kiyoshi? She thought, smiling brightly. I suppose that makes sense, after all he was my only friend for so long and he is so sincere and wonderful.... Oh dear, what if he loves Hinata? She paused, her face falling. There is no way I would win such a competition. Hinata is far lovelier than myself.

She walked home alone, not bothering to locate the other girls that normally accompanied her home. Fortunately, with a mood such as hers, she was not as radiant as she normally was. Both parents happened to be home, and noticed her mood immediately. They had been pleased with the success of their move and Fumiko's apparent happiness with her new environment. Fumio was a little bothered by her devotion to Tsukiyomi, but his wife regularly reminded him that as a demi-god, he really couldn't complain that she had such illustrious protection.

To be honest, they had never seen her look so upset, and they were a bit surprised, for even when she was bullied in Unnan, she had always remained positive and forward-thinking. Aiko immediately went over to her, looking at Fumio as if to say WHO THE HELL HURT MY ANGEL? He felt equally upset and walked over to her as well.

"What is wrong, darling daughter?" He asked carefully. She looked up for the first time, eyes filled with tears. He hated to say it, but even her tears were beautiful.

"Oh, Papa! It's terrible!" She said mournfully.

"Ehh, what's terrible?" He looked at Aiko, truly concerned now. She shook her head, since Fumiko had never really been one to talk about things that bothered her.

"I'm jealous of Hinata!" She was beside herself. Fumio looked bewildered.

"Jealous?" Aiko asked and she nodded. "In what way, my dear?"

"Well, I.... Papa, please don't get angry, okay?" He was very worried now. "Well, you remember my friend Kiyo?" He nodded. He was already aware that Kiyo was Tsukiyomi. The mention of Kiyo didn't necessarily make him happy, as again, their attachment concerned him. "Well, Kiyoshi- that's his name- transferred into my school yesterday. I was really happy to see him. Hinata asked me if I liked him, and I didn't really give her an answer. Today, they were together, and for some reason I started crying. I think I do like him, but I want to be able to support them if they like each other. It would make sense after all, they're such wonderful people..." She was trying to smile, but the tears kept flowing. "Oh Papa, what do I do?"

"Well, dear, that's quite a lot to think about." Honestly, he wasn't entirely sure what kind of advice to give her, since he was hesitant to further a relationship with Tsukiyomi. Aiko placed a hand on his arm, indicating that she would field this one. He wasn't sure that was the best thing, since she would love to see her daughter marry a god, but...

"Fumiko, don't you think you should give yourself a chance, too? After all, if what you're saying is correct, Hinata and Kiyoshi just met yesterday, right?" She nodded. "Well then, my dear, you still have a chance. Don't decide for Kiyoshi. After all, maybe he came here because of you." Don't worry my daughter, I know which way the wind blows. Fumiko looked up, surprised.

“But how did he know in the first place? I was never able to tell Kiyo I was moving.” She was a little confused about this part. “Maybe it’s random.”

“Ah, well, if he asked anyone in town they all knew where we were moving, so I’m sure someone told him.” Aiko tried to sound as honest as possible. It was not her place to tell her daughter who Kiyo really was. He was going to have to do that himself.

"Do you think he was worried that I wouldn't have friends?"

"No dear, men don't move for that reason. Right, husband?" She looked pointedly at Fumio.

"Err, no. They don't. I'm sure he really wanted to see you, Fumiko." This was said a bit stiffly, as he really had a problem with supporting Tukiyomi. This was his little girl they were discussing. No caring father was excited to see them grow into womanhood having familiarity with exactly how the male mind works.

"Really? Do you think I might have a chance, then?" Hope radiated from her in waves.

"Of course, darling. Don't you realize how beautiful you are? And didn't Kiyoshi like you before your appearance changed? If he cared for you then, why would it be any different now?" Isn't my logic impeccable?

"I suppose you're right. Only, now I'm not sure what I should do. I am not ready to tell him yet..." She became very shy.

"No, of course not dear. Take your time, there's no need to rush." This came from her overprotective Papa, concerned at the appeal she was displaying. Aiko flashed him a look that let him know they'd have a talk later. Love was love.

"I think I'd like to lay down before I pray today. I'll be down for dinner.Thank you for helping me feel better." So saying, she kissed them both on the cheek and floated to her room in a daze. It had never occurred to her that Kiyoshi could choose her someday.