The one that almost got away

Chapter 1

Midori Nagamasa lounged on the towel taking in as much sun as possible. After all it was not very often that he got to bask in the glorious heat of the sun. It was at times like this when he was away from work and survival games that those thoughts plagued him. He knew that she was gone but his mind didn't want to come to terms with that fact. With her departure it seemed like a vital piece of him had left with her too. 'Maybe I should have kept her in my basement after all' he thought to himself with a sadistic smirk.

"MIDORI-SAN! We followed the directions that you gave us but we got a bit lost along the way. I'm sorry we are late," Fujimon said repeatedly bowing his head his cow-lip crazily swaying from side to side." Feel free to punish me Midori-san."

"Fujimon thats enough. Maybe you took a few wrong turns it happens. But since you insist that I punish you bring me some yakisoba and some refreshing water. Don't fail me Fujimon," Midori added with a wink.

Fujimoto took off at lightning speed wanting to fulfill Midori-san's wish. Anything for Midori-san. He was about to close his eyes when he heard someone sputtering from the clouds of dust Fujimon had left behind in his rush.

"Ichi..." Midori said. Said girl's face lit up and grew red at the mention of her name. She wanted to impress Midori-sensei but Fujimon that idiot was reading the map upside down. Getting to Morito Beach should have taken an hour but Fujimon's mistake had cost her an hour of her precious time with Midori-sensei. She mentally raised her fist at Fujimon. Her green eyes landed back on Midori-sensei were she appreciated his handsome features. There he was lying on his towel in black boarding shorts. Chiseled abs glistening with sun block. Head propped on his hand , a lazy pair of pale blue eyes staring at her. He was talking to her. Oh my God she had been gawking at him and he noticed. How embarrassing. Her blush deepened to a darker red.

"Midori-sensei I'm sorry. We will make it on time next time," she gushed.

Midori chuckled a little. " Take a seat Ichi. It's not everyday that we get to relax like this" . Ichi nodded her head profusely , blue ponytail swinging from side to side. So Midori-sensei hadn't noticed her after all. She had worn the hot pink bikini for him with the notion that if he noticed how feminine she was Midori would see her as more than a friend. But she had absolutely failed.

"You're looking great Ichi," Midori added with a small smile. The tears that were brimming in her eyes were suctioned back in. Maybe her efforts weren't in vain.

Midori closed his eyes once again to lose himself in his thoughts of her. When he first met her at Echizen he was amazed that this innocent boy was picking out a gun. But he appeared nervous so he decided to help him out. After conducting the routine body check he was taken aback when he discovered that he was a she. Why was she disguised as a boy? When he discovered that she was ToyGunGun's new member his interest was piqued. When did ToyGunGun start accepting female members. Maybe Masamune had learnt to man up and protect his women... not likely. Or was this little girl deceiving them. . Hotaru Tachibana was going to be the highlight of his day. To be accepted as ToyGunGun's new member that meant she had to be highly skilled. He'd be anticipating to face her at TGC. At TGC she stuck out like a sore thumb. The only ray of light in a world filled with darkness. She appeared to be having nervous jitters. But as soon as she spotted him her face lit up and she ran to hug him. He couldn't help but feel the warmth and happiness that accompanied her touch. It was intoxicating. He reassured her and comforted her making it known to her that she was safe an everything would be fine. But Matsuoka arrived and his sadistic side revealed itself. He couldn't help himself but the shock and disappointment that laced her face made him feel a bit guilty... a bit.. this was who he was ... wasn't it? After beating Matsuoka and Yukimura it appeared her that her desire to fight had also waned. How could it be? He had so much anticipation for her retaliation. Was this the end. But that's were he was wrong. Hotaru's blood-lust revealed itself surrounding her like a thick cloud of miasma. Was this humanly possible that such think blood-lust was coming from this girl. " Tachibana thought that you were a good person but Tachibana should have listened to Yukimura-san and Matsuoka-san. Now face Tachibana's justice"

Her attacks ensued and damn it she would rival him on any platform. It had been a while since he had had this much excitement fighting someone but she made him feel alive again. Hotaru made him fear he unknown because the outcome wasn't predetermined. He was facing a worthy opponent. Strategy and clever use of his words saved him otherwise he was sure she had him cornered. Hotaru...

A volleyball bounced off his head snapping him out of his thoughts. "Sorry !" someone yelled. Faint thumps were heard as a figure pursued the stray volleyball. Haruki met face to face with Midori. Golden eyes measured him up. Ichi who was fuming at the assault of her precious Midori-sensei connected her fist with the side of Haruki's head. "How dare you attack Midori-sensei you human scum"

"Hey take it easy. Hotaru pumped up too much energy in her throw and I was unable to hit it back in time. I don't know what she pumps into those arms of her's" Haruki said flaying his arms in defeat .

Hotaru ... was back from the USA. A silly smile plastered itself on his face. Hotaru just you wait ,I'm not letting you off the hook that easy this time."I wasn't made aware that Hotaru-chan was back . Can you take me to her Haruki-kun?" Midori asked.

Haruki who was rubbing the side of his head were it was now silently throbbing. "Yeah sure. She'll be glad to see you" he said leading the way. Midori couldn't help the fluttering of his heart at the thought of seeing her. How was she, was she still as energetic as always, strong , determined. Haruki who was leading the way felt slightly at unease . Sending Midori to Hotaru might not be the best idea considering that Hotaru had changed .. But then again what was he so afraid of. This was Midori. This guy was thicker than a lead brick when it came to discovering his emotions.

Matsuoka was taking a cigarette break near a palm tree. Yukimura was lying on the ground attempting to catch his breath. He had absolutely no stamina.

"I got it ! I got it!" a loud voice said. Not too far from from where Matsuoka and Yuki where was a blonde bombshell bouncing on the ground in excitement holding her prized seashell. Eyes growing bright and happy. Midori who was captivated by the blonde for a moment averted his eyes and went on to search for Hotaru.

"Haruki-kun where is Hotaru-chan?" Midori asked.

Haruki who still also had a hard time believing what had been conveyed to him pointed to the blonde bombshell. "Hotaru-chan!" Midori yelled out waving his hand in the air.

Hotaru having heard her name looked up to see the person who was calling her. When she saw the green haired man her face lit up with more joy if possible." Midori-san!" she said before running and tackling him to the ground. Midori was still processing what had happened. He closed his his eyes momentarily to think things through.

"Oh no. Tachibana killed him!"Hotaru yelled.

"What do you expect! You throw yourself at the guy like he offered you a year's worth of free food" Haruki said.

"Now that you mention it Tachibana is starved. I wonder were Tachibana can get some... KYAAA!" Hotaru yelled trying to pull herself away from Midori who had wrapped his arms around her. "Midori-san what are you doing!"

"It was worth it." He stated before letting her go and helping her up. Who knew that getting away from the testosterone would help her blossom into this woman before him.

" Hotaru-chan I missed you,"Midori said hugging her briefly. He wasn't just saying it he meant it.

"Midori-san. I missed you too. Tachibana only regrets that she didn't have the chance to contact you as often as she could have. Tachibana missed playing survival games with Midori-san" Hotaru said lime green eyes twinkling.

"You're always so selfless. That's what I like about you"Midori said with a smile. It was as if her positive glow absorbed his into being. Haruki who was observing from a distance couldn't tear his eyes from the scene in-front of him. Maybe he didn't give the king enough credit. But still he had his sights set on Hotaru for a while now and he'd be damned if he let the king out maneuver him.

" Everyone is waiting Hotaru-chan" Haruki called. "Okay!" Hotaru yelled.

Hotaru turned back to Midori. Midori was admiring her features. Her boy-cut hair had been outgrown and it now reached her back. The front had been cut into some bangs that framed her face. Her bust that had been small had developed into a generous B-cup. Hotaru had truly blossomed.

"Midori-san everyone is waiting for us" Hotaru said pulling him along."Yukimura-san , Matsuoka-san !"

Said men turned their attention to Hotaru who was dragging a dazed looking Midori. They had to admit that the current Hotaru had knocked their boots off when they first saw her. Even in the teal green bikini they still had a hard time admitting that the young maiden before them was Hotaru but then again some things never changed. She was still as loud as ever and rushed into things head on. "Lets play some volley ball," she said pumping her fist into the air. Haruki ceased the opportunity in his hands.

"Well this match is going to be a handicapped match since we have unequa..."

"Midori-san , I was searching for you everywhere ! Ichi said you took off with Haruki-san so I've been looking everywhere for you. Now I found you. I brought your yakisoba and water. Here it's still hot, " Fujimoto said handing him a take away box and two pairs of chopsticks . "Thank you Fujimon. I appreciate it," Midori thanked him.

That's when he heard something growling beside him. Hotaru clutched her stomach embarrassingly. The red creeping to her face. " Tachibana is sorry. Tachibana hasn't had the chance to sit down and eat since this morning" Hotaru excused herself. " There's no reason we can't eat together is there now. I see Masamune still doesn't know how to take care of his women," Midori lightly scolded. " Midori-san it's not like that..."Masamune tried to explain.

"Excuses excuses .. she's still starving isn't she. Here Hotaru take a seat," Midori said sitting gracefully on the ground..Hotaru followed suit though she sat clumsily. . Midori handed her a pair of chopsticks. They put their hands together and simultaneously said "Itadakimasu" and they dug in. Hotaru was eating like the devil was on her heels but Midori was taking small proportioned bites. "Hotaru slow down. You're going to choke,"Midori said. Having being pointed out for pigging out she immediately blushed . " Tachibana is sorry . Tachibana was extremely hungry and Tachibana really loves yakisoba. "Hotaru said. Midori smiled ,"What a coincidence I like yakisoba too. Here try this," He said handing her a piece of pork belly with his chopsticks. Hotaru readily opened her mouth without thinking twice and ate it. Her face beamed. " That was soo good. Tachibana would like to have some more," Hotaru said. Midori being the 'compliant' person that he was took another piece of pork," Say ah Hotaru-chan". "Ah ... Hey Midori-san that wasn't nice. Denying me delicious yakisoba. Tachibana has been deceived. Midori-san promised to give me more yakisoba" Hotaru complained staring at Midori with puppy eyes. So these were the legendary puppy eyes that women had countlessly used frequently on him. But alas he was a brick wall and could not be swayed easily. Unless if your name was Hotaru Tachibana. Midori sighed,"Hotaru you naughty girl twisting my words like that. I only asked a few questions and asked you to say 'Ah' . I never promised to give you anything. But here". He stuffed her face with yakisoba. Her eyes popped out as she failed to swallow. "But Hotaru-chan you were filling your face with food before I wonder were the problem is?" he said his sadistic side taking toll.

"Midori-san is so mean to Tachibana. Assaulting Tachibana's person with her favourite dish. Tachibana is grateful for the meal and is now leaving. Haruki-san and Tachibana have to beat Yukimura-san and Matsuoka-san in a game of volleyball. Its's been long since Tachibana has played a fun game with those two"Hotaru said rising to her feet.

Midori hoped that he hadn't been too harsh with the girl after all he didn't want to scare her away. Hotaru approached Haruki who was talking to Matsuoka. "Haruki-san. Tachibana has now refueled and is ready to kick some butt" Hotaru chimed. Haruki turned around to face her . "Haruki-san your face is red. Do you have a fever? Let me go get an ice pack okay? Just wait here for a second,"Hotaru babbled. Matsuoka snickered because he knew what was wrong with Haruki, the young man had been fuming when he saw Midori being so tender with Hotaru. "Wait Hotaru " Haruki said catching her hand before she left. She gave him a confused look at the sight of her hand in his. "Huh ?"she asked. "I'm fine okay!There's nothing wrong with me"He said releasing her hand and turning his back on her. Why did he just yell at her. Why couldn't he be more composed and calm like his brother? Instead he had to push away the people that mattered the most to him. Why?"Let's just get this over with"

Hotaru didn't understand what she had done wrong to hurt Haruki. If she had offended him she would be the one to fix it. Simple.

"Hey Masamune , Fujimon and I are joining in. It's been a while since I crushed that weak spirit of yours. You must agree"Midori said a creepy smile touching the corners of his mouth. "Sure I'd be more than happy to have a challenge against you even if it's just a simple volleyball match,"Matsuoka said.

"But that's where you are wrong. Let's make a wager. I have three tickets to Edo wonderland Nikko Edomura," Midori said.

Haruki all but blew out his breath. " What is this sudden lack of motivation that I'm feeling. I want to go to a fun place not somewhere to learn"

"Tachibana has never won a traditional kimono before. This is Tachibana's chance and also Tachibana would like to learn more about her history. " She said feeling giddy at the mention of visiting Nikko.

"Then it's agreed upon. LET'S PLAY!"

They resorted to drawing sticks to decide who went on who's team. Midori, Yukimura(who looked like he was more willing to throw the ball at Midori than over the net) and Fujimon (who was oblivious to the tension ) were facing off everyone else.

"Game ends at a score of 10. Midori's team is serving the ball first," Matsuoka announced. The game started rather with a blast(literally) . Midori proved that he had prowess no matter what the field was but Hotaru had as much vigour. Soon enough their small explosions had gathered a crowd. Some people were even placing bets on who would win the match. The ball was now in Hotaru's court. Both teams were now at a draw with only one score to break the tie.

" Tachibana has said that she's going to Nikko and she's not allowing Yukimura-san , Midori-san or Fujimon to take that away from her!" She said taking a deadly serve that went zooming past Midori's ear leaving it ringing. Was this girl even human? But then again he liked things that were intriguing. And damn she was. "Haruki-san we won " Hotaru said grabbing Haruki and embracing him. Haruki who wasn't prepared for the sudden contact froze he felt his face heating up he reigned in his senses and broke free of her embrace. " I'm not going to Nikko. That place is filled with the elderly. Take a hint" he complained. "In that case I'd go with Tachibana-chan. We can read my ero manga together right Tachibana-chan. I'd like to show you how I've improved in my writing skills," Yuki suggested"And I also get to see Matsun in a hakama and haori. My trusty camera will perform its duty well. Right Mattsun?"

"Please Haruki-san," she pleaded after hearing Yuki's intentions with her. She'd have to purge her eyeballs.

"Fine I'll go"Haruki said leaving to take a dip in the ocean. Hotaru clapped her hands together in thanks. "Thank Haruki-san. I owe you!"

"Hotaru-chan. I'm leaving now. Ichi must be tired of waiting for us to get back" Midori said. "Thank you Midori-san for spending your time with us and for those lovely tickets. Tachibana can't wait to set foot in Nikko. "Midori clasped her hand in both of his gaining her attention. What time did he close in on the distance. Pale blue eyes stared at her with concern before he spoke. Hotaru felt her heart flutter at his touch. Was she coming down with some illness?"Hotaru take care of yourself " he said briefly pressing his lips to her forehead. Then he left with Fujimoto trailing his precious Midori-san telling him about his new scooter which had a side car. Hotaru who was not sure about what had just happened pressed the tips of her fingers to her forehead. Her heart fluttered again. Kanae should have some medicine for this illness.

end of chapter One*

I'd like to thank jilnahtaugen for my first amazing review. My heart was ovewhelmed with sheer joy. Thank you so much( jilnahtaungen

Hi there! I just want to say, I loved this first chapter! Everyone is in character and it was hilarious. You really picked up the atmosphere of the anime. I hope you continue, I'd love to read more!)

I'm yet again at loss of words on how to express my gratitude. I'd like to thank Tsubahime for an enthralling review. I feel driven to continue writing. Your reviews give me the extra boost of motivation that I need.( Tsubahime

I loved the first chapter, but the second chapter really piqued my interest. Thank you for keeping everyone in character, it's very amusing to see how everyone interacts. I'm looking forward to reading more, so please continue! :)