"I think it was after Himeno," Hayate's words seem to echo in Himeno's
mind. "It was after Himeno" "it was after Himeno." Shaking her head, she
tried to get rid of them, but the words kept playing faster, louder, and
more unnerving. "It was after Himeno!" "IT WAS AFTER HIMENO!" "IT WAS
AFTER HIMENO!" The words raged inside her head. They were so loud that
she covered ears, trying to block them out. But they only became worse "IT
WAS AFTER HIMENO! IT WAS AFTER HIMENO! IT WAS. All of the sudden it
stopped. Silence. What had stopped it? Suddenly feeling a hand on her
shoulder she whirled around, where she saw Hayate, looking deeply
concerned.
"Are you all right Himeno?" Trying her best to smile, she replied shakily.
"I'm fine, just a little shook up." Stepping back from her, he frowned, appearing not to believe her. She then suddenly felt her face growing warm. Quickly, she turned back toward the group, to find them all staring at her. Sasame then broke the silence.
"Well, if Hayate is right, we must take precaution. We can't risk any harm on Himeno."
"I think we should take turns guarding Himeno," Kie remarked. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
"I call first shift!" Mannen exclaimed.
"Oh no you don't" Goh said, pulling him back by his shirt. Tearing away from his grasp, Mannen protested:
"And why not?!"
"Well there is that incident last time." Goh replied smugly "and besides, you're a kid."
"I am not!" And with that, Mannen drew back his leg, kicking him hard in the shin. Goh howled in pain as he reached for his leg. Then trying his best to recover, Goh went after Mannen, with his arms out-stretched, ready to straggle him.
"You're going to pay for that you little shit!" Mannen yelped in surprise and tried to side step him. But he was too slow, and sure enough Goh had him lifted in the air by his shirt collar.
"All right! That is enough!" Startled, Goh looked up to see where Sasame stood, appearing to look annoyed. Shrugging his shoulders he suddenly let go of Mannen, letting him drop heavily onto the pavement.
"Well, so who is going to guard Himeno?" questioned Sasame. "I would, but they need me late tonight down at the station."
"I will," Hayate stepped forward. Himeno looked up at Hayate, noticing a slight blush spreading onto his cheeks. Sasame raised his eyebrows in suspicion.
"Ok, you can have the first shift and.."
"No," Hayate said firmly, his face started to turn crimson. "I think it is best that I guard Himeno full time." Then all of the sudden Hayate looked down, embarrassed.
"What makes you think you're the only one who can guard Himeno!" Goh argued. Suddenly Hayate's head shot up, he glared at Goh.
"Well you and Kei can't do it, because you guys are always working. And besides, since I already work for her father, I can be there all the time." Sasame then smiled, he had more of an idea what was really going on. He spoke up.
"Fine, Hayate you will guard Himeno."
*************
Himeno ran all the way home, "I'm going to be late for dinner!" she thought frantically. She hoped Mother wouldn't be too angry with her, she hadn't exactly told her she would be coming in late.
"Oh well," she said talking to herself "at least I won't be too late." Finally coming to the gate, she thrusted the door open, and quickly ran inside.
******************
When she finally came into the dining room, everyone was sitting down waiting for her. Her stepmother looked up at her, Himeno stiffened, she knew she would be in for it this time.
"Your late Himeno," she remarked. Bowing apologetically, Himeno replied breathlessly.
"So sorry Mother." Natsue then smiled.
"I don't mind you staying out late. But I wish you would call so we wouldn't have to hold up dinner for you." Himeno sighed with relief; she almost forgot how much even Natsue has changed. It seems more like now, she has more patients with her.
Himeno then made her way toward her chair, when she suddenly remembered the amazingly bad luck she had with chairs (especially when Mayune has been fiddling with them). Stopping herself just before her chair she thought to herself; "We'll see who falls for Mayune's tricks this time." She studied the chair for a bit, then kneeling down, she examined its legs. "Nope, nothing wrong so far," she noted silently.
"For God's sake Himeno, will you just sit down!" hearing Natzue's voice, Himeno quickly popped up her head over the table, smiling shyly; she reached to her feet, and slowly sat down. Finally sitting on the seat, she winced, bracing herself for the chair to cave in. Nothing happened. Confused, she glanced over at Mayune. Can it be? Did Mayune get bored playing pranks on her? Himeno shook her head, no that's impossible. Catching her stare, Mayune turned towards her, holding the bowl of potatoes.
"Himeno, would you like some potatoes?" she said smiling innocently. Himeno took the bowl from Mayune's hands, eyeing her suspiciously. Then placing the potatoes on her plate, she began to eat. Maybe Mayune has finally matured. Maybe.
Conversation at the table was cheerful as ever. Her father talked about the book he was writing so far, Mawatta talked about school, and so on. After awhile, her father, finally getting out of his chair said.
"Well I'm full, I think its about time I go upstairs to work on my book." Jumping up eagerly, Natsue replied.
"I think I'm full too, would you mind showing me what you have so far?" Nodding in agreement, the two newly weds left the room, cooing over each other. Himeno chuckled to herself; they were still in love as ever.
Deciding she was also finished eating. She backed out from the table, and tried lifting herself out of her seat, but instead she came right back down. She couldn't get out of her chair, she was stuck. She then heard which she could only mistaken at Mayune's laughter. It finally hit to her, she was glued to the chair, and she knew exactly who did it.
"What's wrong Himeno, can't get out of you're chair?" Mayune said mockingly. Forgetting she was glued to her seat, Himeno trying bolting after her, but the weight of the chair ended up making her lose her balance, and she fell flat on her face. Seeing this, Mayune laughed even harder, and walked off, satisfied that her work of chaos was done. Mawatta ran to her side, and tried helping Himeno up.
"Himeno are you ok?" Keeping the chair balance on her back with her hands, she replied.
"Yea, I'll be fine."
"Are you sure, I can least help you up the stairs." Shaking her head, Himeno just smiled and said.
"No that's ok, really, I can do it by myself." Mawatta seemed to hesitate, but then just shrugged and walked off. Watching her go, Himeno sighed heavily, this was going to take her awhile.
**********
Himeno finally managed to reach the stairs, looking up at them she cursed to herself for not taking Mawatta's offer. For the stairs loomed over her, and seemed more like a mountain than a mere dozen steps. Reaching for the banister, she slowly placed her foot onto the first step. Keeping the chair balance on her back with one hand, she carefully lifted her other foot, and then finally setting it down on the step. "Well, one step down, and another hundred to go," she mumbled bitterly. She kept doing this for awhile, and realized that she was slowly making progress. Being more confident, Himeno quickened her pace, but her foot ended up slipping on one of the steps, making her fall hard on her stomach. Lying there, Himeno thought about how much pain she was going to inflict on Mayune, as soon as she got out of this mess.
"This can't get any worse!" she groaned. Suddenly sensing someone coming down the stairs, she glanced up, and as soon as she did, her face fell. "Well I was wrong about it getting worse." She thought. For out of the people in the world to see her like this, it was no other than, Hayate.
He looked down at her in amusement, a smile suddenly broke out across his face, and he started to laugh. Himeno was baffled. She was angry of course, but she had never heard or seen Hayate laugh before. It was a rare thing to see nowadays. Managing to control himself a little, he came towards her and reached out his hand.
"Here, take my hand." Furious, Himeno slapped his hand away.
"I don't need your help, I'm fine!"
"You baka, just take my hand! It won't kill you to accept someone's help once in awhile!" Himeno was outraged, she was not a baka! She was determined to make him pay for that one. Gripping the banister tightly, she struggled to her feet. When she finally was able to stand, she slowly turned toward Hayate and tried socking him in the jaw. But knowing her so well Hayate saw it coming, and quickly stepped aside. Himeno was caught off her guard. The force behind the punch made her loose her balance, and she fell headfirst down the stairs. She shut her eyes tightly, bracing for the impact that was sure to hurt like hell.
Himeno then felt a sudden jerk from behind her. She popped her eyes open to see that she didn't fall after all, in fact, she was suspended in mid air. Turning her head back slightly, she saw that Hayate had managed to catch the back of the chair. She sighed with relief "Boy, that was a close one." But before she even could recover, she heard a loud rrriiipp! Her skirt, which was glued to the chair, was ripping! She all of the sudden remembered that she was wearing her granny-like pink undies, thinking this Himeno blushed. Even looking down the stairs knowing she would be crashing down them soon, all she could think about was "Out of all days, it had to be laundry day!" The skirt then finally tore free of the chair, sending Himeno headlong down the stairs.
Hayate reacted quickly, pushing the chair aside, he caught the back of Himeno's shirt. Trying his best not to look at her underwear, he tried to maintain his balance. But he couldn't, and they both fell down the stairs. Together.
Finally hitting the bottom, Himeno landed surprisingly softly on her back, and Hayate on top of her.
Hayate looked down into Himeno's eyes, his heart thundering in his ears. Never before, had he realized how beautiful Himeno was. How come he didn't notice it before? Maybe he really was a baka. Oh, how he yearned to kiss her, right just then. Feeling her soft lips against his. . . . . . . .
"Hayate?" Snapping back to reality, he realized it was Himeno who said his name.
"Yes Himeno?"
"Could you get off me? You're crushing me."
"Oh." Disappointed, he helped her up.
(Back to Himeno's viewpoint)
Himeno made the action of brushing the back of her skirt. When she realized, there was no skirt there! Only her cursed granny-panties. Blushing furiously, she tried to cover her backside as much as possible. Hayate realized what was happening, and turned away embarrassed. Still turned around, he took off his jacket, and handed it to Himeno.
"Thanks," she mumbled. Taking it from him, she tied it around his waist. Then satisfied everything that was meant to be covered, was covered, she practically ran up the stairs. She didn't even bother telling Hayate she was leaving, she was so humiliated. She just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.
Finally reaching her bedroom, she pulled open her door and went inside. Closing the door behind her, she took of Hayate's jacket. She studied it closely, and then in curiosity she lifted it up to her nose, inhaling deeply. She sighed, it smelled really good. Then realizing what she was actually doing, she dropped the jacket, disgusted with herself. What the hell was she doing?! Trying to forget what she had just done, she stepped away from it, and hastily changed into her pajamas. Finally dressed, she sprawled herself across her bed. She suddenly felt exhausted, she closed her eyes, and fell asleep quickly, dreaming unpleasant dreams that were soon to come.
"Are you all right Himeno?" Trying her best to smile, she replied shakily.
"I'm fine, just a little shook up." Stepping back from her, he frowned, appearing not to believe her. She then suddenly felt her face growing warm. Quickly, she turned back toward the group, to find them all staring at her. Sasame then broke the silence.
"Well, if Hayate is right, we must take precaution. We can't risk any harm on Himeno."
"I think we should take turns guarding Himeno," Kie remarked. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
"I call first shift!" Mannen exclaimed.
"Oh no you don't" Goh said, pulling him back by his shirt. Tearing away from his grasp, Mannen protested:
"And why not?!"
"Well there is that incident last time." Goh replied smugly "and besides, you're a kid."
"I am not!" And with that, Mannen drew back his leg, kicking him hard in the shin. Goh howled in pain as he reached for his leg. Then trying his best to recover, Goh went after Mannen, with his arms out-stretched, ready to straggle him.
"You're going to pay for that you little shit!" Mannen yelped in surprise and tried to side step him. But he was too slow, and sure enough Goh had him lifted in the air by his shirt collar.
"All right! That is enough!" Startled, Goh looked up to see where Sasame stood, appearing to look annoyed. Shrugging his shoulders he suddenly let go of Mannen, letting him drop heavily onto the pavement.
"Well, so who is going to guard Himeno?" questioned Sasame. "I would, but they need me late tonight down at the station."
"I will," Hayate stepped forward. Himeno looked up at Hayate, noticing a slight blush spreading onto his cheeks. Sasame raised his eyebrows in suspicion.
"Ok, you can have the first shift and.."
"No," Hayate said firmly, his face started to turn crimson. "I think it is best that I guard Himeno full time." Then all of the sudden Hayate looked down, embarrassed.
"What makes you think you're the only one who can guard Himeno!" Goh argued. Suddenly Hayate's head shot up, he glared at Goh.
"Well you and Kei can't do it, because you guys are always working. And besides, since I already work for her father, I can be there all the time." Sasame then smiled, he had more of an idea what was really going on. He spoke up.
"Fine, Hayate you will guard Himeno."
*************
Himeno ran all the way home, "I'm going to be late for dinner!" she thought frantically. She hoped Mother wouldn't be too angry with her, she hadn't exactly told her she would be coming in late.
"Oh well," she said talking to herself "at least I won't be too late." Finally coming to the gate, she thrusted the door open, and quickly ran inside.
******************
When she finally came into the dining room, everyone was sitting down waiting for her. Her stepmother looked up at her, Himeno stiffened, she knew she would be in for it this time.
"Your late Himeno," she remarked. Bowing apologetically, Himeno replied breathlessly.
"So sorry Mother." Natsue then smiled.
"I don't mind you staying out late. But I wish you would call so we wouldn't have to hold up dinner for you." Himeno sighed with relief; she almost forgot how much even Natsue has changed. It seems more like now, she has more patients with her.
Himeno then made her way toward her chair, when she suddenly remembered the amazingly bad luck she had with chairs (especially when Mayune has been fiddling with them). Stopping herself just before her chair she thought to herself; "We'll see who falls for Mayune's tricks this time." She studied the chair for a bit, then kneeling down, she examined its legs. "Nope, nothing wrong so far," she noted silently.
"For God's sake Himeno, will you just sit down!" hearing Natzue's voice, Himeno quickly popped up her head over the table, smiling shyly; she reached to her feet, and slowly sat down. Finally sitting on the seat, she winced, bracing herself for the chair to cave in. Nothing happened. Confused, she glanced over at Mayune. Can it be? Did Mayune get bored playing pranks on her? Himeno shook her head, no that's impossible. Catching her stare, Mayune turned towards her, holding the bowl of potatoes.
"Himeno, would you like some potatoes?" she said smiling innocently. Himeno took the bowl from Mayune's hands, eyeing her suspiciously. Then placing the potatoes on her plate, she began to eat. Maybe Mayune has finally matured. Maybe.
Conversation at the table was cheerful as ever. Her father talked about the book he was writing so far, Mawatta talked about school, and so on. After awhile, her father, finally getting out of his chair said.
"Well I'm full, I think its about time I go upstairs to work on my book." Jumping up eagerly, Natsue replied.
"I think I'm full too, would you mind showing me what you have so far?" Nodding in agreement, the two newly weds left the room, cooing over each other. Himeno chuckled to herself; they were still in love as ever.
Deciding she was also finished eating. She backed out from the table, and tried lifting herself out of her seat, but instead she came right back down. She couldn't get out of her chair, she was stuck. She then heard which she could only mistaken at Mayune's laughter. It finally hit to her, she was glued to the chair, and she knew exactly who did it.
"What's wrong Himeno, can't get out of you're chair?" Mayune said mockingly. Forgetting she was glued to her seat, Himeno trying bolting after her, but the weight of the chair ended up making her lose her balance, and she fell flat on her face. Seeing this, Mayune laughed even harder, and walked off, satisfied that her work of chaos was done. Mawatta ran to her side, and tried helping Himeno up.
"Himeno are you ok?" Keeping the chair balance on her back with her hands, she replied.
"Yea, I'll be fine."
"Are you sure, I can least help you up the stairs." Shaking her head, Himeno just smiled and said.
"No that's ok, really, I can do it by myself." Mawatta seemed to hesitate, but then just shrugged and walked off. Watching her go, Himeno sighed heavily, this was going to take her awhile.
**********
Himeno finally managed to reach the stairs, looking up at them she cursed to herself for not taking Mawatta's offer. For the stairs loomed over her, and seemed more like a mountain than a mere dozen steps. Reaching for the banister, she slowly placed her foot onto the first step. Keeping the chair balance on her back with one hand, she carefully lifted her other foot, and then finally setting it down on the step. "Well, one step down, and another hundred to go," she mumbled bitterly. She kept doing this for awhile, and realized that she was slowly making progress. Being more confident, Himeno quickened her pace, but her foot ended up slipping on one of the steps, making her fall hard on her stomach. Lying there, Himeno thought about how much pain she was going to inflict on Mayune, as soon as she got out of this mess.
"This can't get any worse!" she groaned. Suddenly sensing someone coming down the stairs, she glanced up, and as soon as she did, her face fell. "Well I was wrong about it getting worse." She thought. For out of the people in the world to see her like this, it was no other than, Hayate.
He looked down at her in amusement, a smile suddenly broke out across his face, and he started to laugh. Himeno was baffled. She was angry of course, but she had never heard or seen Hayate laugh before. It was a rare thing to see nowadays. Managing to control himself a little, he came towards her and reached out his hand.
"Here, take my hand." Furious, Himeno slapped his hand away.
"I don't need your help, I'm fine!"
"You baka, just take my hand! It won't kill you to accept someone's help once in awhile!" Himeno was outraged, she was not a baka! She was determined to make him pay for that one. Gripping the banister tightly, she struggled to her feet. When she finally was able to stand, she slowly turned toward Hayate and tried socking him in the jaw. But knowing her so well Hayate saw it coming, and quickly stepped aside. Himeno was caught off her guard. The force behind the punch made her loose her balance, and she fell headfirst down the stairs. She shut her eyes tightly, bracing for the impact that was sure to hurt like hell.
Himeno then felt a sudden jerk from behind her. She popped her eyes open to see that she didn't fall after all, in fact, she was suspended in mid air. Turning her head back slightly, she saw that Hayate had managed to catch the back of the chair. She sighed with relief "Boy, that was a close one." But before she even could recover, she heard a loud rrriiipp! Her skirt, which was glued to the chair, was ripping! She all of the sudden remembered that she was wearing her granny-like pink undies, thinking this Himeno blushed. Even looking down the stairs knowing she would be crashing down them soon, all she could think about was "Out of all days, it had to be laundry day!" The skirt then finally tore free of the chair, sending Himeno headlong down the stairs.
Hayate reacted quickly, pushing the chair aside, he caught the back of Himeno's shirt. Trying his best not to look at her underwear, he tried to maintain his balance. But he couldn't, and they both fell down the stairs. Together.
Finally hitting the bottom, Himeno landed surprisingly softly on her back, and Hayate on top of her.
Hayate looked down into Himeno's eyes, his heart thundering in his ears. Never before, had he realized how beautiful Himeno was. How come he didn't notice it before? Maybe he really was a baka. Oh, how he yearned to kiss her, right just then. Feeling her soft lips against his. . . . . . . .
"Hayate?" Snapping back to reality, he realized it was Himeno who said his name.
"Yes Himeno?"
"Could you get off me? You're crushing me."
"Oh." Disappointed, he helped her up.
(Back to Himeno's viewpoint)
Himeno made the action of brushing the back of her skirt. When she realized, there was no skirt there! Only her cursed granny-panties. Blushing furiously, she tried to cover her backside as much as possible. Hayate realized what was happening, and turned away embarrassed. Still turned around, he took off his jacket, and handed it to Himeno.
"Thanks," she mumbled. Taking it from him, she tied it around his waist. Then satisfied everything that was meant to be covered, was covered, she practically ran up the stairs. She didn't even bother telling Hayate she was leaving, she was so humiliated. She just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.
Finally reaching her bedroom, she pulled open her door and went inside. Closing the door behind her, she took of Hayate's jacket. She studied it closely, and then in curiosity she lifted it up to her nose, inhaling deeply. She sighed, it smelled really good. Then realizing what she was actually doing, she dropped the jacket, disgusted with herself. What the hell was she doing?! Trying to forget what she had just done, she stepped away from it, and hastily changed into her pajamas. Finally dressed, she sprawled herself across her bed. She suddenly felt exhausted, she closed her eyes, and fell asleep quickly, dreaming unpleasant dreams that were soon to come.