{These characters are not property of me. I would never attempt to claim them as my own. This story may not be used without my permission, and may not be used to make money in any way, shape or form. Characters and certain situations were created by Rumiko Takahashi, so don't try any funny stuff!}
I watched her from afar. She moved with indomitable grace and beauty, possessed of strength and skill. She had no equal. One word formed in my mind when I beheld her alluring visage: goddess.
But how to acquire the goddess' affections? She was unapproachable, rebuking every advance of her classmates. She held herself as untouchable, so that not even I could achieve her as my own.
It was only thanks to her sister that I could know her more intimately. The price was high, but true love knows no limitations and my passion knows no bounds.
Ah, to hold her amidst my arms and have her return my feelings. I would be transported to the heavens and live in a many splendored paradise. The thought was enough to bring tears to my eyes.
A tap on my shoulder jarred me from my fantasy. I turned in preparation to scold the one with such gall as to disturb me in my time of reverie. The words died on my lips as I saw who it was. A blessing in disguise: the goddess' sister.
"Nabiki Tendo, I hope you have good reason to disturb me at this time." I folded my arms across my chest, hoping she would understand my displeasure.
"Of course, Kuno-chan. I wouldn't dream of bothering you without good reason." She pulled out a small pile of photos. "I have an all new assortment for you to look at." She flashed the pictures for the barest moment.
I had to stop myself from quivering with anticipation. "Very well. Let me look upon them." It wouldn't do to show Nabiki Tendo my excitement; her prices are high enough as it is.
She let me look at the pictures, one at a time, not speaking to allow me full concentration. They were all masterpieces. While I sometimes question Nabiki Tendo's motives, her photography skills are second to none. "How much?"
She looked thoughtful for a moment before smiling at me. "For you, Kuno-chan, 1000 each." She held out her hand, waiting for payment.
I balked at the price. Even for myself with my family's wealth, the price was steep. The pictures were too magnificent to pass up though. I gave her a handful of bills with only a second of guilt.
She handed the pictures to me, getting a satisfied smile on her face. "Nice doing business with you, Kuno-chan."
My brow furrowed at her condescending form of address. She never used the proper respect when speaking with me, it was infuriating. "I'll have more for you next week," she said, seeing my mood darken. She always seemed to defuse my annoyance before I could release it though.
She tucked the money away and walked off to join her classmates. I watched her leave then turned my attention back to the photos. I gazed longingly at them. How my heart sang whenever I was confronted with the goddess.
The approaching hour signalled the return to class. I put the photos away carefully, it wouldn't do to damage them in any way. I was sure these would adorn a special place in my room. I headed to class, my emotions barely under control.
"Hey Kuno-chan, how smart do you think it is to wear that to the speech contest?"
"It is the appropriate outfit for a samurai."
"But this is a speech contest, not mortal combat."
"I am aware of that, Nabiki Tendo." There was no point in arguing with her. She would only find some way to insult me. The way she was looking at me was bad enough, I could see the barest glimmer of contempt in her eyes.
"Whatever you say, Kuno-chan," she said, rolling her eyes, making no effort to hide her feelings. She offered me no words of encouragement, I expected none. 'Good luck' was not worth the price.
No matter, my time was almost at hand. I had no time to waste on other's words. I readied myself to walk on to the stage. Everyone was waiting to hear me speak and I did not wish to disappoint.
A hand on my sleeve stopped me. I had to wonder what fee I was required to pay now. She turned me to face her. As I was about to question her actions, she leaned up and kissed me. It was only a quick, friendly kiss, but I felt like I had been struck by a bolt of lightning.
I looked at her with simple surprise. She left without a word, into the auditorium, leaving me stunned.
"Tatewaki Kuno."
I looked at the doorway she had left through. I was having considerable trouble comprehending what had just happened.
"Tatewaki Kuno. Tatewaki Kuno."
Shaken from my confusion, it was my time in front of everyone. I walked on stage and approached the podium slowly. All thoughts of the speech contest were gone, everything I had planned to say was nonexistant.
I stood at the podium, the microphone in my face, the lights in my eyes. Everyone looked at me expectantly. I could see several members of the Kendo team watching me, Nabiki Tendo and several of her friends were off to the side, whispering amongst themselves.
I swallowed hard, which the microphone transmitted throughout the auditorium. I watched Nabiki Tendo out of the corner of my eye and saw her head turn in my direction when she heard the noise.
One of her friends said something that caused her to nod her head, still looking at me. I saw several of the girls adopt pained expressions and then yen begin to change hands. Most of it was going into Nabiki Tendo's hands.
It was then that I realized what her show of affection had been all about. To say that I was angry is unnecessary. But mostly I felt disappointment. Maybe a touch of heartbreak... No, not where Nabiki Tendo was involved. I know that I hold her in high respects; she is one of the most intelligent people I know. The fact that she constantly took money from my hand and treated me without the necessary respect did not bother me. Not as much as finding out I was only her 'cash cow' and not worth her sincerity.
I felt the heat rise, crawl up my neck. I braced my hands on the podium And before I could consider my words, was announcing to everyone...
"The vengeance of heaven is slow but sure." I raised my hand in a fist. "If you wish to date with Akane Tendo..." I raised my other hand in a fist. "you must defeat Akane in combat." I put my hands back down on the podium. "I, Tatewaki Kuno, will permit absolutely no other terms."
Murmuring swept through the auditorium. I glanced at Nabiki Tendo to see if she could see I was not affected by her actions. She had a smirk on her face and was shaking her head.
I stepped away from the podium feeling angry and empty. I did not appreciate her toying with me in that way and vowed that she would find her pockets empty of my money from now on. Frowning, I walked off the stage and sat down in a folding chair in the wing.
I touched the place on my mouth where she had kissed me. It may have been a simple monetary venture for her, but there were more animalistic parts of my mind that kept reminding me of the feel of her body leaning against me.
"Hey Kuno-chan?" It was her, probably to win more bets at my expense.
I stood up and growled in her direction. "Hold, Nabiki Tendo. I want little to do with one such as yourself. You, who would play with my affections. No longer will I be a source for your amusement, so keep your stories of your false physical affections to yourself."
I marched by her, attempting to keep the anger on my face, even if I felt it fleeting in my heart.
Faintly, I heard her as I stepped out into the auditorium. "Kuno-chan, if you only knew the truth."