~DecompositionBeauty~

~Withered Roses Revival~

~Chapter 01/??

~You x Ruki~

Notes:

1. Place your name in the gap (____).

2. The story is narrated by you.

3. The sentences in italic are your thoughts.

4. The words in bold are the ones emphasized by the speakers.


~March 16th~

It's been a whole month since I came to Japan. My parents thought that I wouldn't be able to make it here, that "I wasn't ready to face the world, especially the Japanese people, with their prejudices for people of other nationalities than theirs." that were my father's exact words. OK, he had a point. The Japanese people are not known for their hospitality towards foreigners. "We'll be waiting for you, my dear. Don't worry if things don't work out the way you want. We'll miss you." my mom's last words, a tear and a hug was her goodbye to me, before I enter the plane...

Fortunately, they had been wrong. It wasn't easy to adjust to the Japanese daily routine, and I did had some little difficulties in understanding Japanese at first, but, now, everything was settled. I had rented a little apartment and found a job. Actually, they were two.

On the weekdays, I worked at an H&M shop in Tokyo and on the weekends I took care of the dogs of people that were on holidays or something like that. Of course, I could never look after more than 2 dogs at the same time, but there was no need to worry about that, since there weren't many people who trusted their dogs to me.

"Um....excuse me" a girl dressed in a sweet lolita outfit said, interrupting my thoughts.

"How can I help you?" I answered with a warm smile.

"I'm looking for the dress in the showcase, please" she replied.

"Are you talking about the pink dress? Or maybe the one with the red polka?"

"The pink one"

"Follow me, please" I said and I led her to the dresses section of the shop.

"We also have it in gray, black, baby blue, yellow and lime green. Would you prefer any of these colors?" I asked politely.

"Hmm...yes, the baby blue, please. It's a gift for my best friend." she said.

"That's a perfect choice. This dress is adorable. I'm sure she's going to love it."

"I hope so." she said and giggled.

Ah..I don't even remember how many times I had wished to be one of those girls, who giggled all the time, who seemed to always be happy. They looked a bit stupid, but, I wouldn't mind being stupid, as long as I could be happy. I'm not sure why, but, since I was a teenager, I've withdrawn into my world. I haven't had any friends, except of 2 or 3, just on the surface. And, about boyfriends, I've had 2, I think, who got bored of me eventually and letft me alone. Everyone would get bored of me. I think it's because I don't speak much, I'm a rather quiet person, and, unlike others, silence doesn't make me feel uncomfortable ; I enjoy it. Same with the darkness. Unless I have a work to do, like write something or put some make-up on, I have the lights off. After years of practice, I can see pretty well in the dark. Another thing that makes people think I'm weird. What's more, I can never sleep for more than 5 hours, usually going to bed at 23.00 and waking up at 4.30...I really like watching the sun rise, slowly illuminating my dark room with sunbeam...

"Um....miss?" the girl said.

There I was, daydreaming again...I wonder when this will stop. It's very frustrating.

"I'm so sorry, would you like something else?"

"No, that's all. Thank you."

"We thank you." I smile at her. At least, now, it's easier for me to fake a smile. I've practiced a lot and those who don't know me well, can't tell that it's not real.

I walked with her to the pay office and asked Yuriko to wrap it up with our new multicolored sheet for wrapping presents. She smiled at me. I thanked her and returned near the entrance of the shop, ready to help another customer.

We don't have many customers today. I wonder why...

One more hour is left for the shop to close. And then, Saturday is coming...I'll have to look after Hera, the large pitbull of my neighbor. He has gone to Okinawa to visit his parents. I find it so difficult to handle her when I take her for a walk. She's very strong. But I love her. Despite her size, she looks like a little angel to me. I always loved dogs...

"Hey ______, what's up?" Yuriko had left the pay office and come here.

"I'm thinking about the weekend..." I answer with a sigh.

"You have to look after a dog again, ne?" she says in a playful tone.

"Yes, but, I don't care about that."

"I think you need to do something interesting for once. Escape your routine. Right?" she winks to me.

"Do you have anything in mind?" I answer, pretending to be in the same happy and playful mood she's in.

"You know, I got the job in the magazine I wanted! I'm officially a reporter of J.F.P.L (Japan's Famous People's Lifestyles)!!Isn't it great?" she says loudly and claps her hands cheerfully.

"That's great news, Yuriko-chan! Congrats!" I smile at her and put my happy mask on.

"This Sunday I have to go to a party full of J-rockers and guess what!!!!!!"

"Alice Nine is going to be there?" I ask, already knowing the answer. Yuriko is mad about Alice Nine.

"YES!!!!But, there's more to it....guess which other band is going to be there...." she says in a melodious tone.

I look at her puzzled.

"The GazettE of course!!!"

"You're so lucky, Yuriko-chan" I say in a surprised tone, as there was no band in the world I loved more than the GazettE. There were my mentors, those who helped me overcome all my obstacles during my adolescence, especially Ruki-sama with his lyrics.

"So?" she asks impatiently.

"So?" I pose the same question, wondering what she's thinking.

"Are you coming or not?" she asks hopping from impatience. Sometimes she's acting childish, but not in an obnoxious way.

"Wow...Umm..." I start, trying to find my voice while thinking how it would be like to be so close to them.

"Thank you for the invitation, I wish I could join you, but I have to look after Hera, remember?" I said, without being able to hide the sadness in my voice and face.

"Aw, don't be silly _____-chan! You can take her with you and tie her chain around a tree! Please!!!! It's my first time interviewing a famous person, and, with Alice Nine around, there are many chances that I faint...Please?"

She would faint for sure. Yuriko is a very hyper person, and, when she's too happy, she can easily pass out. That would be bad for her job, too...

"OK, but I've nothing to wear...." I say staring at the floor.

"Don't worry, _____-chan! I have a thousand evening dresses! I'm sure we can find someone of your taste!" she says cheerfully.

She's right. Yuriko has a whole wardrobe full of evening dress and just loves to give advices to people on how they should dress, doing their hair and so. She would be a pretty good stylist.

"Thank you so much." I say and hug her.

"Look at the time! We should close the shop. Come at my place tomorrow morning, OK? It's going to be so great!" she says in sheer excitement.

"OK, see you tomorrow then" I reply with a smile.

I felt really happy for the first time in years. "The power of the GazettE" I reminded to myself and an honest wide smile appeared on my face. For the first time, I was sure for one thing: "Tomorrow is going to be a marvelous day!"

Nothing could go wrong, right?

End of 1st Chapter~

Author's Message: I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of my fanfic. The idea came to me just yesterday, and I thought I should give it a try and write down my thoughts. The title "Withered Roses Revival" is about Ruki and you. Both of you (Roses), depressed, alone and treaten unfairly by life (Withered), find each other, share your loneliness and pain and regain your stolen happiness (Revival).