Pull of Destiny

*(2/9)

By Sakata Ri Houjun

 

~***************~

 

Chichiri couldn't help but stare in disbelief at the man sitting on his couch.  Tasuki had shed his leather jacket and was wearing only a plain white shirt over a pair of faded jeans.  He was resting his head in his hands, his damp hair falling over his fingers.  From their time together, Chichiri could easily recognize that his old friend was drunk.

 

He wanted to say something, to fill the silence that stretched between them, but found that he was at a complete loss.  There were so many things he wanted to ask yet he was afraid.

 

It was Tasuki who broke the tension by finally looking up to meet Chichiri’s gaze with a tired smile.  He had always imagined what his friend would have looked like without the scar.  Would wonders never cease?

 

"Never thought you'd see me again, huh?"

 

Chichiri smiled at Tasuki, a small laugh escaping at the question.  "I knew I'd eventually find at least one of the others, just didn't know who."

 

Tasuki shook his head and then winced slightly at the headache beginning to form.  He reached over to pick up the steaming mug Chichiri had brought him and inhaled deeply.  A sweet scent filled his senses and he wrinkled his nose.

 

"What is this?  It doesn't smell like coffee."

 

"It isn't.  I brewed some tea."

 

"Smells like you boiled flowers."  Tasuki took a sip and swallowed the warm liquid quickly before he gagged.  "Tastes like it too."

 

"It's all I have.  I'm sorry."  Chichiri folded his hands in his lap and looked down.

 

"Not your fault.  I'm just not a tea person."  He chuckled and took another sip.  "If I was, I'm sure I’d tell you that it's damn good."

 

Chichiri met his friend's smile with one of his own.  It felt like old times again when it had been just the two of them traveling together.  All past transgressions seemed forgotten for the moment and all that remained was just their friendship.

 

"So, do you live around here?" Chichiri asked as he leaned back in the chair, his body now at ease.

 

"Nah...."

 

"Then why...."

 

"Do you really want to know?"

 

Chichiri slowly nodded, uncertain that he'd like Tasuki's answer.   The former bandit sighed.

 

"Believe it or not, I'm a god damned thief and I was actually checking out this building."

 

The smile slipped from Chichiri's face.  "You're a thief?"

 

Tasuki caught his friend's eyes with a look of seriousness.  "You didn’t seem to mind it when I was a bandit back then.  Why should this bother you?"

 

"It doesn't bother..."

 

"Bullshit!" Tasuki snapped.  "I know when something's bothering you.   Hell, I spent enough time with you back then."  He shook his head.  "Don't worry.  You're safe.  I wouldn't dream of betraying you like that."

 

"Why did you check out this building then?"

 

Tasuki shrugged.  "Beats the hell out of me.  I just got a strange feeling when I saw the place."

 

Chichiri nodded, understanding what his friend was referring to.

 

"So what about you?  What are you doing this time around?"

 

"Finishing up college."

 

"No kidding?  What's your major?  Probably religion or something like that."

 

Chichiri chuckled.  "Literature with a minor in ancient Chinese history.  And I used to wonder why it had always fascinated me..."

 

Tasuki burst out in a fit of laughter.  "No shit.  I used to wonder how I was able to pick locks.  You probably have a whole line of girls waiting to jump in your bed, Mister big-shot scholar."

 

Chichiri shook his head.

 

"Good-looking guy like you?  Now that doesn't make sense."  Tasuki had finished his tea and slammed the mug down on the table for emphasis.

 

Chichiri flashed a sad smile.  "Never was luck with love in any lifetime.  But you still probably hate girls, so I won't bother to ask about your personal life."

 

Tasuki looked thoughtful for a moment.  "Yeah, I still hate them, but not because of this life."  He grinned.  "I actually lucked out this time around and was born an only child."

 

"Really?"

 

"Except my parents didn't give a shit what I did so I had to strike out on my own.  That's why I became a thief.  Not very proud of what I do, but it's kept me alive so far."

 

Chichiri nodded again since he found himself unable to respond to Tasuki’s last comment.  "Tas...What should I cal> you?"

 

"Well, my name is Korey in this world."  He made a face at the sound of his name.  "I'd actually prefer it if you'd call me Tasuki."

 

"I know what you mean, Tasuki.  It'd be hard trying to call you anything but."  Chichiri laughed softly.  "My name is Lee."

 

Their eyes met before they both laughed.  "Do you have a place to stay, Tasuki?"

 

"What do you think?  I'm a fucking thief."

 

"I see your point.  You're welcome to stay here.  The couch folds out."

 

"You're comfortable with my staying here?"

 

"Why not?  You're my friend and I'm not going to kick you out to the curb because of your profession."  He stood.

 

Tasuki felt a stab of regret as he watched Chichiri walk off to get a spare blanket.  Too many things had remained unresolved between them since they last saw each other.  Chichiri had always been so forgiving.  Or had he just forgotten?

 

Tasuki shuddered at the memories that had surfaced and the things he had said on that long ago day.  He hoped his friend had forgotten because he wasn't quite sure he could deal with the mistakes he made if it were brought back up again.  Chichiri was too good a friend to lose, twice.

 

Chichiri noticed the distant and sad look in Tasuki's eyes when he returned.  Panic seized his heart as he worried whether or not his friend remembered what had happened between then as well.  The wounds inflicted on that day were still too raw, despite the length of a lifetime that had passed.  Chichiri didn't wish to hurt his friend or himself again.  Apparently Tasuki didn't notice him so Chichiri cleared his throat.

 

Broken out of his reverie, Tasuki blinked at his friend, certain that his thoughts were painted all over his face.  He forced a smile to reassure Chichiri.

 

"Is there something bothering you?"

 

"Nah..  I just can't hold my liquor like I used to."

 

"Well, we're not the same people we used to be back then."

 

"Yeah.  A lot has changed since the last life."  Tasuki shook his head to clear it.  "I must look totally messed up.  Where's your bathroom?"

 

Chichiri motioned over his shoulder.  "Through that door, to your right."

 

"Thanks."  Tasuki heaved himself up off the couch and followed his friend’s directions.  When he looked at his reflection in the mirror, he noticed how haunted his eyes seemed.

 

"No," he muttered to himself in frustration while clenching his fist.  "I won't let it get to me.  I don't want to hurt him this time.  Why do I have to remember this?  Why can't I just let it go?"

 

He felt tears forming behind his eyes as the memory resurfaced again, fresh as if it had happened yesterday.  Tasuki squeezed them shut.  "I don't want to remember..."