Aoi to Shiroi
(Blue and White)

A Recca no Honoo fanfic

By Tenshi no Ai

I don't own the characters and rights to Recca no Honoo, or else this wouldn't be called a fanfic!

Dedicated to friendships, whether they be with accquaintances or with childhood friends. Let us appreciate our friendships for what they are; a bond of the heart and mind with another.
Let us hope that they last forever.

Summary: In a cafe on a somewhat snowy March night, two friends enjoy hot chocolate and the company of each other.

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Because I thought that it ran on ignorance and hate, at first I didn't trust the creature called humanity'.

Jogging down the street, a high school freshman quickly looked both ways before haphazardly crossing the street. Car horns blared, but the student merely gripped the parcel in bare hands a little more tightly and continued on.

Throughout all the years I've lived, less than the amount I look like physically, I've never had a reason to trust humans'. They use and become used. Despite my own looks, for a long time I've felt that I was different from humans.

Snowflakes, common enough even in the last month of spring, began to make their descent from the heavens above. They began alighting on the running figure's dark purple hair, quickly disappearing as the long, asymmetrical bangs swept back and forth in time to the bobbing of the face it often partially covered. Mahogany eyes pensively swept over every store sign, delicately arched eyebrows furrowing in slight frustration.

I was inferior.

This freshman, practically a junior as April was quickly approaching, did not wear the pink sailor-style blazer and like-colored plaid skirt of the local high school like usual. Instead, this person was adorned with a puffy, white vest over a ribbed navy long-sleeved turtleneck. The hem of a white skirt with visible blue stitching danced above knees concealed by navy socks. Thick-soled, shin-high white boots thudded against the snow-covered pavement. There was a hint of curves through the snug outfit, especially at the hips.

This outfit concealed a lot. It was too innocent, too trendy for this person who had been born as nothing more than a tool, an assassin and spy in one neat package.

It perfectly masked that she was a he.

Of course, that's all in the past now. I've accepted that I have a spark of humanity in me, which lit the day I kidnapped Yanagi-chan for the now deceased Mori Kouran. And that maybe, just maybe, the ideal of humanity' wasn't as limited as I thought it. Such a pity that it took a good beating from Recca-san to realize this, but such is life.

The package shifted in pale hands. A fairly small box the height and length of five or six regular manga placed one atop another, it emitted a faint jingling noise as its owner began to break out in a full run. It was a dark, shiny blue against pale hands, like the night sky against the snow.

Bruises fade and scars heal, right?

Suddenly the figure stopped in front of a cute, French style cafe, actually skidding slightly from the slippery sidewalk. Through the darkened windows, lots of shadow figures moved. The sign above the cafe door read Mirei-ru' in katakana.

Slowly, a relieved, pink-tinted smile spread on the pale face of the runner, eyes crinkling faintly.

I owe a lot to Yanagi-chan, and I'm happy that Recca-san was right. She did accept me as a friend again. She's my best friend, and I hope it stays like that for a long time.

The bell merrily chimed as the door closed behind Kagura Aoi.

Hope. Nowadays I think that...that humanity is based on hope.

No matter where it might lead them.

--------

Hey, Yanagi-chan.

The flame-blonde looked up from her newest manga acquisition, a story about elementary schoolchildren rescuing two worlds with animal-like partners. She found it enjoyable and interesting, but even Recca thought it slightly weird. So, at the recognition of the melodious low alto that murmured her name, she immediately blushed, shoved the book in her bag, and raised her head to smile in welcome. Aoi-chan, hi!

Aoi smiled gently. Don't hide it, Yanagi-chan. You were reading children's manga again, he lightly placed the package he had been carrying on the checkerboard patterned table that stood between them and sat across his first school friend, I'm sorry that I'm so late. I had to wait for Domon-kun to come home first.

At this, Yanagi nodded in understanding. After the events at SODOM, Aoi and another Shishiten, Hiruko, had nowhere to go. Ishijima Domon had suggested that Aoi should live at his family's flower shop and work for his rent. Since Hiruko had other things planned, and since Aoi wanted to live a more normal life, the former Shishiten agreed. However, a few days later Fuuko agreed to date Domon, and ever since then Aoi had been agreeably covering for the giant teenager when he went out.

Ee, I see, a wide smile spread on the normally kind girl's face, at least Aoi-chan was able to make it!



A waitress, dressed like a pink and white French maid, came by their table. After a brief debate, Aoi ordered hot chocolates with whipped cream for the both of them, and the waitress went on her way. The light-haired girl smiled quizzically at the dark-haired boy. Aoi-chan, what's that package for?

Aoi gently nudged the parcel over to Yanagi's side of the small, round table. It's your birthday present. I'm sorry I missed your party, but you already know what happened.

Curiously, Yanagi looked a bit embarrassed. Like I said, it's okay, you didn't have to get me anything.

Everyone else did.

The blonde paused. she said, then reached with both hands to bring the gift closer to herself, her face showing her excitement, can I open it now?

Giggling at his best friend's sudden change in demeanor, Aoi waved his hand in a nonchalant fashion. Do what you like, Yanagi-chan.

He watched as she delicately unwrapped the shiny blue paper, making sure not to tear any of it unnecessarily, then as she pouted at him when he dared giggle some more. I like the paper.

Aoi raised an eyebrow. I can tell.

Yanagi looked slightly put out, but then as she opened the box that served as a protective shell for the present her face seemed to glow with joy. Eyes as green as summer grass widened as pale hands reached inside the box to grasp the object that Aoi had rushed to bring.

It was a music box.

Crafted from statuary marble, the sides had no real design, except for two lines going around the shape of the rectangular box. However, the center of the lid bore numerous small, delicate roses, all in different stages of bloom. Carefully, as if the force of a finger could unwittingly turn a petal to dust, Yanagi ran the tip of her right index finger along the edges of random petals, caressing the faintly rough stone. After a few moments, she pulled away from the roses and gently lifted the lid.

do do do, do do do, do do doo

Inside, there was a single white rosebud, made from the same material as the rest of the box. A tune began to play, softly but clearly, and as it did the bud slowly began to open into its fullness, then petals began to close up into itself again. This dance continued, combining with the song to create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

The tears began to spring up at the corners of bright green eyes. Aoi-chan, this is...this is too much for me...I...

Unperturbed at this reaction, Aoi brought his left hand over the thick purple bangs that covered his left eye and ran his hand down them a few times. Did you know there's an antique shop just a few doors down from the Ishijima no Hana? I went there a few days before your birthday, and the first thing I noticed was that music box, he grinned, so, I bought it.



Why not?

The best friends stared across the table at each other for a moment with expressionless faces. For a long moment, the loudest noise to the both of them was from the music box as it merrily chimed along. In this moment, there were only two people: Sakoshita Yanagi and Kagura Aoi.

At that moment, that was perfectly fine with the both of them.

Slowly, they began to smile, then giggle, trying to shush the other with frantic hand movements and exaggerated faces before they broke out in full blown hysteria. Aoi noticed the waitress coming with their drinks first and immediately wore a mask of calm indifference; Yanagi had to settle for putting one hand over her mouth to hide her laughter as she politely moved her music box aside so the waitress could put down her hot chocolate. After the waitress left, wondering if the blonde was laughing at her work outfit, was Yanagi able to take a deep breath and focus on her hot drink. Then she looked over at Aoi and nearly broke out in giggles again.

The dark-haired boy smirked. You're not this ridiculous unless you're around Recca-san.

Pouting slightly, the light-haired girl took a tentative sip of her hot chocolate. At least I'm not like Domon-kun around Fuuko-chan.

I'm shocked. No need to be so mean, Yanagi-chan. Aoi gasped at this uncharacteristic sharp retort.

The named girl blushed. That was pretty rude...I'm sorry.

Aoi stuck his tongue out at his friend. I was just teasing, Yanagi-chan.

Yanagi lowered her head so that her bangs hid her blushing face, this cafe serves great hot chocolate, don't you think Aoi-chan?

Taking a sip of the warm, sweet liquid, Aoi nodded. Pretty good, yeah. Though...Hiruko could make better hot chocolate if he were in the mood.

How is Hiruko-san doing, Aoi-chan? The blushing had cooled off enough that Yanagi could raise her head to look at her friend with curiosity. Said friend shrugged, frowned, and took another sip of the warm beverage.

He's fine. He said that he wishes the princess a happy birthday, Aoi stated, noting the blonde's blush at the mention of her old nickname, and that he's forgotten how cold it is in England during the wintertime.

That's good. Tell him I said thank you for the birthday wishes'... Yanagi faltered off, her expression showing clear hesitance at her next question, so, he didn't say anything back to Japan anytime soon?

The answer was short, but it didn't warrant any hostile feelings at the question, why would he?

Yanagi gave her friend a sidelong glance as she raised her cup for another sip of hot chocolate, too polite to push the topic any further. Aoi noticed this and smiled slightly. You might as well say what's on your mind, Yanagi-chan.

At these encouraging words, the gentle ex-healer took a deep breath and stared into Aoi's dark brown eyes. I don't mean to be rude, but...I think that Aoi-chan is important enough to Hiruko-san that he would come back to Japan for her.

Aoi said nothing, opting to pull away from Yanagi's limpid green depths, gazing instead at the melted whipped cream floating in his halfway-emptied cup. A full minute passed before he said, somewhat sullenly, Hiruko does what he wants.

Yanagi lowered her eyes. I'm sorry, Aoi-chan.

The smile on the feminine boy's face was a little strained as he looked over at his best friend. Don't be, Yanagi-chan. It's just that...things are a bit more complicated than you think. It's not my favorite subject to talk about, a smirk appeared in place of the sad smile, you and Recca-san, on the other hand...

A faint blush appeared on Yanagi's face. Why would we want to talk about Recca and I?

Because you two are my favorite couple!

The blush darkened.

Aoi giggled, giving off the impression of a cheerful high school girl once again. Well, I can't help it, especially after I heard that a certain ex-flame master and his princess were at the movies last Sunday, kis-

We didn't do anything like that! Yanagi burst out, a horrified expression on her normally smiling face, we were just holding hands and... her hands flew up and covered her mouth before she said anything else; her face resembling a tomato by now.

Aoi perked up.

Yanagi could only shake her head furiously, attempting to cover her whole face with her hands. Crimson showed where her hands failed to cover.

Aoi could only grin as he said, If you don't tell me, I'm going to assume something worse...

A word was mumbled.

I didn't catch that, Yanagi-chan.



I didn't catch that either.



You can do this, Yanagi-chan, Aoi encouraged, his grin widening.

The word, like Yanagi's beet-red face, emerged from the nonexistent protection of her fingers. Green eyes searched Aoi's suddenly blank face, hoping for a reaction unlike Fuuko's laughing at her for a good five minutes before giving out tips on how to go further in a physical relationship. She didn't think she could handle the overheating again.

Carefully, Aoi propped up his head in his left hand, a small smile adorning his face. That is just too cute...you two almost make me want to find a boyfriend...

Yanagi smiled gently. You could, if you really wanted to.

She hadn't expected her purple-haired best friend to respond to that in the way that he did, by merely nodding and murmuring, I wonder...it would be nice, wouldn't it?

Saa...so, what clubs will you be entering in for next year? Yanagi's frantic change of subject was not lost on the dark-haired boy, and he merely shrugged in response to her question.

I'm not sure...I mean, we still have exams before finishing our first year and all. Track, maybe? Kendo sounds fun, but irritating Mikagami-sempai isn't on my list of Things To Do Before I Die'...what about you, Yanagi-chan? Going to join the art club?

The blond-haired girl shook her head. I already have too much going on after school.

Yeah, Recca-san is a handful, isn't he?

Mou, I meant the kindergarten...

I'm sure you did, Yanagi-chan.

Yanagi began to look a bit teary-eyed. You're being mean, Aoi-chan...

I know, I know! Aoi held his hands in front of him, trying to placate the easily teary girl, I was just teasing you!

Yanagi immediately brightened up, the tears magically disappearing. I know, Aoi-chan, I was just teasing you. Now Aoi pouted, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

You're being mean, Yanagi-chan...

The two friends looked at each other, then began to laugh. Soon enough, the laughter began to die out and a comfortable silence fell over the two. Around them, the half full cafe was filled with the other patrons involved with their own discussions, which blurred into an agreeable melody of bustling life.

di do...di...i...

Aoi slurped up the last of the whipped cream in his cup before pushing his chair back. Are you ready to go?

Yanagi copied his motions and stood, revealing the thigh-length cream-colored winter coat over the ankle-length white dress she was wearing that night. Unlike Aoi's snug outfit, the thick coat and long dress completely hid the recent birthday girl's figure. This, including the fact that only the tips of brown shoes could be seen poking out from under the hem, gave her a very child-like appearance. It's getting pretty late, isn't it... she raised her left arm and glanced at the watch that adorned her delicate wrist, ah! It's almost eight! I didn't realize it was so late!

Aoi ran his hands through his cropped hair, shaking it out a bit, here, let me get that for you, he reached over and carefully closed the lid of the now-quiet music box, then placed it in the gift box, do you want me to rewrap it as well? he teased, inwardly smiling at the put-upon look on Yanagi's face. The look quickly faded, and she smiled as she took the box and picked up her tiny backpack from the floor. She reached in the bag and pulled out some money as a tip for their waitress, slung on the backpack, and they began to head towards the exit.

The light snow from earlier had now subsided completely, leaving only a soft dusting of snow as proof of its existence. With a sincere smile, Aoi held out his arm towards Yanagi, who gratefully linked her own arm under his. It was a common fact that Yanagi was not clumsy, but she did have a harder time than most in the snow. she murmured.



I just wanted to tell you... Yanagi looked up into Aoi's curious brown eyes, I don't really understand the depth of the relationship between you and Hiruko-san, but...I don't think that he could resist a cute girl like you. Definitely, definitely he'll come back to Japan!

Aoi looked away, not wanting his best friend to catch notice of the pain he felt was showing in his eyes. ...Maybe, Yanagi-chan...I kind of hope so.

The unaware girl leaned into Aoi's arm, trying to see his face through his thick bangs. A devious smile was her reward when he turned his head to look at her again.

So, tell me, were Recca-san's arms around you during the movie, or were your arms encircling his arm...or maybe his chest?



Oh my, I wonder if you two were even sitting in different seats at all. One seat's plenty enough for you two, right?



I'm kidding...do you have a fever, Yanagi-chan?

-Owari-

Yes, I live. My best friend turned 19 a few days ago. We've been best friends for 10 years, and thinking about that got me into writing this fic. Aoi and Yanagi show an interesting friendship after he kidnaps her...it's a strange way for a close friendship to emerge, but...anyway, some notes and random stuff:

-I do realize that Aoi's name means hollyhock', not blue', but puns are always fun.

-If you don't know who Aoi is, he's one of the Shishiten, along with Hiruko, Kirito and Kadotsu, and appears in the Tendoujigoku arc of the manga. He has Saichou-hair! If you don't think Aoi is male, you might want to reread volume 31 again. Although, judging by Aoi's rather...curvaceous figure, I have to wonder if Anzai-sensei had just decided to spring this up at the last minute to shock the readers...

-The first draft had more Hiruko/Aoi leanings, but I didn't feel like this was the best fic to focus on that relationship. I like the couple and it helps fill out my favored shounen-ai couplings portfolio, which is fairly bare. So instead, I tried to even out the mentionings of Hiruko/Aoi and Recca/Yanagi.

-Yanagi's birthday is in late February, if I remember correctly.

-Yanagi was reading Digimon manga. I had to honor the first anime I wrote and posted fanfiction for, after all! Celebrates 2 years of being a member.

-Mirei-ru would be transliterated to become Mireille'. Maybe I should've stuck with Chiroru' or something...

Shidareyanagi news- I'm currently working on the fourth chapter, after quite some time off. I apologize, but it really couldn't have been helped.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this fic!