Saiyuu no Ryokou: The Continuing Adventures of Yuriko
Saiyuu no Ryokou: The Continuing Adventures of Yuriko
The Story So Far: Ritsuko and Midori seem to have settled their issues for now, which makes Yuriko hopeful for the coming day.
After a week of wretchedness, she fears nothing but her own despair.
Volume 3, Issue 14
"Wheel of Fortune"
True to her word, Ritsuko was up early. With the resilience of youth, she had
straightened up the living room and made coffee and breakfast for three by the time Yuriko
had awakened. When Yuriko dragged her ancient-feeling carcass into the kitchen, she was
able to simply stand still and allow caffeine to resurrect her, while the younger woman
bustled about inefficiently. Watching her with suspicion, Yuri decided that it was
nervous, not morning, energy. For that, Ritsuko could be forgiven.
"Hey, your coffee is terrible!" Yuriko said cheerfully, after she had
finished a second cup.
"I know," Ritsuko ran her hands through her hair, spiking it up and out.
"I figure that someone as talented and good-looking as myself shouldn't have to cook
well, too."
Yuriko laughed. "That's a great line may I use it? Everyone is always
picking on me about my limited culinary skills."
"Please," the young woman replied with a grin. "I borrowed it from
Midori."
The two were laughing together when the aforementioned author entered, scowling.
"Don't even try to explain," she said preemptively, holding up a hand in
warning.
"Wouldn't dream of it!" Yuriko polished her glasses with a corner of her
blouse, squinted through them, then cleaned them again. "I have to get going
I've got a morning TV program appearance before rehearsal today. Can I give you a lift
anywhere. Ritsuko-san?"
"That'd be great!" Ritsuko stood up straighter, but a second later, she
slumped back into a half-hunched position. "Um...but I don't want to inconvenience
you."
Yuriko noticed Midori glaring balefully at her sister, and interposed herself between
the two. "It's no inconvenience to me - and I pay the driver. Come on."
Ritsuko smiled thankfully, while Yuriko shot a reproachful look at her lover. After the
younger woman had escaped from the room, Yuriko shook her head.
"Don't be so harsh she's just a kid."
"Don't be so easy-going, she'll start to presume." Midori shot back.
"No, really. She's the baby of the family she's always been spoiled."
Midori made a face. "I'm as guilty of spoiling her as anyone else, I guess."
Yuriko smiled as she wrapped her arms around the author, leaning her chin on Midori's
head "Speaking as a youngest who wishes she'd been spoiled thank you."
She kissed the other woman on top of the head. "You are so beautiful when you scowl
disapprovingly, did you know that?"
Midori laughed and pushed Yuriko away. "Yes, as a matter of fact. I've been told
many, many times. I suppose that means that I scowl a lot."
"Yes," Yuriko agreed pleasantly. "That's what I love about you
your disapproving nature." Seeing the look on Midori's face, Yuriko apologized
quickly.
Midori shook her head. "No, it's not that. I was just thinking about something she
said last night. I guess I am pretty judgmental." She shrugged. "It's much too
early to be philosophic about my nature. What's for breakfast?"
"Overcooked eggs, cold toast and bad coffee," Yuriko grinned. "Pretend I
made it and be gracious."
"They are not overcooked!" Ritsuko had reentered the kitchen. "Don't
tell me that you're one of those people who likes their eggs all runny and gooey....ewww.
Midori how could you? That would be as bad as...taking up with a morning
person."
Midori just smiled at her sister's outrage, as she seated herself at the table with a
plate of food and a cup of coffee.
"Well, I'm not a morning person, but I do have to get going. Are you ready?"
Yuriko gestured for Ritsuko to precede her out into the living room. They retrieved their
coats, while Midori watched them from the table.
"Remember, Yuri I've got that interview this evening. I won't be home until
late."
"Right I'll just go back to my place. Then I'll see you," the singer
made a quick calculation in her head. "Saturday? That long? Oh well." While
Ritsuko was heading out the door, Yuriko blew a silent kiss in Midori's direction, then
followed the other woman into the hallway.
"You two seem really happy together," Ritsuko commented once they were in the
elevator.
Yuriko nodded. "So far. And there's no one more surprised about it than we
are."
Both women lapsed into silence as the elevator carried them down to the lobby.
The elevator stopped, and the doors opened. With a snap of her fingers, as if she had
just remembered something, the singer paused slightly. "Oh, hey, before we leave,
there's something you'd better know..." She resumed walking across the foyer, with
the young artist in tow.
"What's that?"
Yuriko nodded to the doorman as they passed, which he returned with a salute and a
friendly bow.
"You're about to have your picture taken," Yuriko quipped, with a crooked
smile.
"What?" Ritsuko stared at her for a second, then followed her through the
front door.
There was a noise like nothing Ritsuko had ever heard. The sky wasn't fully light, but
the air was already heavy with moisture and heat. Flashing lights blinded her, and voices
clamoring for attention slammed into her from several directions. She stopped, stunned by
the commotion, but Yuriko took the girl firmly in hand, and steered her towards the
waiting car. She helped Ritsuko into the back seat, then turned and waved to the cameras,
smiling and shooting off a few bland phrases of greeting. After a moment or two, Yuriko
seated herself and closed the door against the noise of the paparazzi, then let out an
audible sigh.
"I don't know how they know..." Yuriko muttered, "But they always
do..."
Staring out the window, Ritsuko could see that the "crowd" had, in fact been
only a very few people, but her retinas still burned with the flashes and her ears rung
with questions.
The tall blonde turned towards the girl seated next to her, smiling at the familiar
dazed look in her eyes.
"You're famous now," she said with a cynical laugh.
Saiyuu no Ryokou, all characters and situations copyright E. Friedman and Yurikon LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Continued