Another chapter of Kisses and Raindrops is here. I'd like to start by thanking everyone for their feedback so far. It's been wonderful to see so much positive response to Beli, especially since this is my first time writing her.

There's one inspirational song in particular in this part that felt more than fitting. Now then, let's get started!


Lyrics and Mirrors

A show on the beach – crowds and camera phones – a return to form on this, a glorious Saturday night. Flying with his wingmen, the notorious womanizing guitarists of Third Betrayal, atop a makeshift stage, a blond-haired singer threw his heart into it, not giving a damn about anything but ending the night in style. Euphoria, perfection, freedom, many words came to describe this feeling, but when all was said and done, it was the feeling that spurred him ever in the rhythm, breathing deeply as the melody took hold, Mike Winters popped the buttons of his pristine blue shirt, eying the small gathering of people with heartfelt thanks. It didn't matter if there forty or four-hundred people watching, fans were still fans, and their support was appreciated beyond words.

As the sound dropped, Mike set the mic down against the stage, getting his bearings with a couple of deep breaths. Eyes alight against the starry sky; he couldn't help but wonder what he'd do from this point on.

"Thanks for coming tonight, guys! You've been great!"

He had so many good people around him, his band, his supporters, but there was no denying a rogue feeling, a subtle emptiness that bobbed in the pit of his stomach.

Even though there was so much to smile about, even as he gave the crowd high-fives and smooth, alluring smiles, it was impossible to scrub away the one word that kept springing up in the back of the mind.

Loneliness.

Glenberry hadn't changed physically. The beach was still golden and beautiful; Lusties Nightclub was still vibrant and energetic, bathed in a cocktail mix of neon lights. Then there was the Ice Rink. So wide and pristine, almost crystalline in its beauty.

'Dammit… Here I am… letting my feelings get the better of me again.'

All of these places had something in common – a long connecting wire that bound them as one. It made it too. Each one of them was a venue he'd visited at some point with either Tiffany or Jessica. Worse still, for the life of him, Winters couldn't stop himself from thinking back.

No – a forceful, sharpened jolt of remembrance was the tool he used to push his mind away from the memories. It was selfish to keep flicking back to the events of the past like some grainy cinema flick.

'I messed up, and I know it's wrong of me to keep holding on like this. It's for the best that I try and bury it… keep on singing… do something to make other people smile.'

A vibration shook the senses, snapping him back to reality with a brief prodding of sorts. Into the pocket of his pants Mike went, bringing out his Huniebee.

'New Message from Jessie.'

Talk about far too close for comfort. Shaking his head, Mikey gave a light flick of his forefinger across the screen, green eyes taking in every letter, every word of the text with a hint of caution.

'Hey there, baby. One of my little birdies tells me you're back in town. It's been a while and, to tell you the truth, I keep thinking back to those little meetups we had. I'll be in the Bar and Lounge until midnight…. Why not come visit? Oh, and sweetie? About what happened before…. We should talk about it. MUAH! Love Jessie x x x.'

Fear, unnerving and a little queasy, filled Mike's stomach. Every siren in his head rang an illuminating red. Here they were again, the flashbacks. Jessie, gorgeous and tanned, that dirty, ensnaring smile upon her lips as she lay spread eagle, nails digging into the sheets. She'd done things for him that he never thought possible, done things to him almost beyond imagination.

Then again, there was far more than that to their get-togethers as well. Nobody held him in the way she did, understood the pain, and provided a shoulder to cry on or a loving motherly smile – regardless of the outcome.

Still, as Mike waved his bandmates off, giving a promise he'd help them pack up the gear next time, he couldn't help but remain fixated upon the message box. As he walked, up the stone staircase and past the boardwalk, his right forefinger hovered between two buttons.

"Reply or delete. What should I do?"

Tearful goodbyes and sad, watery words – he'd already left town on a bad note once. The haunting, twisting reminder of Tiffany's sobs still wouldn't budge. He had to resist, even though it was tempting to see Jessie one last time, avoiding her was for the best.

A press of the crimson cross-shaped icon sealed the deal – shattering the envelope-shaped message in a display of magical, almost cartoonish animation. A dinky little love fairy tottered on screen and swept up the leftover pieces into a trashcan with a broom before whistling happily, slamming the metallic lid shut.

"Job's done, boss. Message deleted."

The new update to the Huniebee OS was something to smile about, at least. It never got old, having your own little fairy helper on screen to lend a hand with little tasks like opening a magical web browser, connecting calls or answering text messages. In fact, it was kinda cool.

"With each new update it's like the Huniebee's more and more alive…."

Shaking his head in a low scoff, Mike arrived at the top of the staircase. What was he doing talking to a phone like this?

Stopping for a moment, looking to the left and to the right, he thought things through. Was it worth taking the quick way home, or would the scenic route through Dawnwood Park be a little nicer?

"I think I'll go with Dawnwood… take in the lanterns for a little while and relax before walking the rest of the way back."


How long had it been, how many weeks, months even, had slipped by since Mikey last laid eyes upon the majestic trees and the wonderful lush grass of Dawnwood? It was a wonderful place – even during the darkest hours of night. The thin, almost mystical beams from the pathway LED lights brought a calming, soothing feeling to his usually racing thoughts every time he saw them.

Sure – most people enjoyed it here during the day, but the best time of all was to visit when the sun went down. Nothing beat the feeling of tranquillity, the occasional passing couple on a date or the chirping musical score of crickets.

It was all too relaxing – wonderfully so. Closing his eyes, lids unsurprisingly lead-lined after such a busy day, Mike let his mind drift in a calmer, happier direction, a tiny yawn breaking free.

"I'm happy to be back for moments like these… the peace and quiet… helps me unfuck my head."

His ears followed a melody – the faint clacking of wood, like sandals. One two, one two, one two – they formed a pattern, faint at first, but becoming louder with each moment that slid by. Was somebody coming this way? Uncaring – too content with his lot in life, he decided to ignore it, lips curving into a smile. Whoever it was would be just fine on their o-

"Excuse me. It seems we meet again, doesn't it?"

That calm, soft-spoken voice – one with such decorum and politeness. A lady, one with the slightest twist of exotic flare to her accent. It was impossible to forget her – especially after that fated night a week or so prior.

The way she wept and shook, the way her deep, mesmeric fuchsia eyes captivated, and the softness of her lips, almost angelic, against his cheek.

Returning to the world with open, hazy eyes, Mike felt himself warmed by the sight before him – that beautiful, heartfelt Indian goddess he'd been fortunate enough to meet.

"Hey Beli," the musician spoke, his sight still blurry with tiredness. "I didn't expect to see anyone this late. You caught me by surprise."

"I'm sorry," she bowed, a delicate pink overtaking her cheeks. "I can leave you in peace if you'd like? I just saw you sat alone and I thought you might like some company."

Why did Miss Lapran, a woman so gentle in nature and so gorgeous in appearance, feel the need to say sorry for absolutely everything? Did she always feel as though she was overstepping the mark? Was the idea of being a little outgoing scary for her?

Shaking his head, Mike brought his legs down from the bench he'd parked upon, shuffling over and offering a seat to the lady with a pat of his palm.

"Don't worry yourself. It's all good. Sit down and take it easy. How've you been since we talked last?"

"Thank you." Plopping herself down, Beli gave a soft giggle. "Are you sure it's okay, me offloading again? You're being too kind."

The beach came to mind – alongside the earlier thought of making people smile. Thinking back to that night, seeing Beli so sad - stranger or no, Mike never wanted to see somebody so awe-inspiring and considerate cry again. More than that, too, he had his own feelings about Beli's grandmother and her illness.

"Beli," he insisted, his tone a little more forceful this time around. "It's all good. Honestly, after what you told me… I want help… even if it's just a little."

"Well, as long as you're sure," she squeaked, low and mousey in her response. "I'm a little better. Awa's been more cheerul than usual this week…. It's given me more time to hold yoga classes for my students."

Yoga – she'd mentioned this in their previous meeting. Interested, Mike thought he'd go ahead and speak his mind.

"I remember. You talked about teaching classes. Can't say I've been to a yoga session before but darn… I hear they're relaxing when you're stressed out."

"Yes, that's right." A single question, one so straightforward brought Miss Lapran to smile brightly, her exotic features complimented by the low light of the moon in the sky. "I've been instructing yoga since I left my degree. It gives me peace of mind. Not only that, but I love my students dearly."

Neat – the freedom to do what you loved for a job was always a strong point. Winters hated the idea of being sat in a soulless office space from nine till five. Even when the band went through dry spells he preferred his bar work to the idea of applying for a temp job in a cubical somewhere.

"Sounds like you really enjoy it. That wide smile you've got there tells a story."

Beli retreated the slightest bit, that usual shyness she'd become known for in their previous meeting shining through.

"I'd say so… but what about you, Mike? I believe you said you worked weekends, yes? Well, what do you do? That is… if you don't mind me asking such a personal question."

There was no problem at all with Miss Lapran asking. In fact, he was more than happy to oblige and share a few tidbits about his beloved profession.

"I'm a singer, a musician. Well… a singer and a part-time violinist if you wanna get specific. It's why I came to Glenberry. Call it stupid but it was a dream of mine… to sing in this vibrant town full of so many different people."

"No," the Indian girl shook her head, assured and compassionate in her expression. "I don't think it's silly at all. We all have things we aspire to achieve. I keep telling myself I'll finish my degree one day."

Why did she sound so sad about that? Mike couldn't help but feel an urge to show his support. Was it the stress of the unfortunate situation with her grandmother that made her goals feel hard to reach?

"Well," he spoke up, cool and confident. "Keep it close to heart and make sure you do it sometime in the future, yeah? I had a moment like that once… didn't know what I wanted to do… but a friend of mine brought me here to Glenberry… steered me in the right direction."

Beli shone bright red – her cheeks aflame, as she looked so enchantingly beautiful in that shy, reserved way. "If I can be honest with you, just having somebody to talk with like this is all I need. I don't like to be a bother, but… it's nice… to have someone I can share things with."

It was a small pleasure in itself – to be there and help somebody when they needed it most. There was only so much taking a person could do before they'd had their share and then some.

"Well… it's good to see you a little more upbeat compared to last week. Like I said…. If there's anything to do I can to help then let me know. I'm far from perfect, Beli… but I want to put things r-"

"There is…."

Miss Lapran paused, standing from her spot upon the bench. Majestic and almost mesmerizing in her movement, she spun around and wandered over to the water fountain, that long, silky black hair of hers flowing freely in the evening breeze. There she sat, seemingly gazing at her own reflection in the water, looking so calm, so at peace.

"There is one thing," she continued, soft-spoken as she dipped her fingertip into the water, beckoning Mike to join her with a gentle wave of the hand. "I'd like you to sing something for me… if it isn't too much trouble."

She wanted him to sing? Eyes widened in the slightest hint of surprise, Mike thought it over. It was very sudden. He hadn't rehearsed or had chance to pick a song.

Then again, he smirked, cool and collected – remembering all he'd become. He was the protégé of Kyu Sugardust – the centrepiece of her plan to create the ultimate celebrity love machine – the greatest human in the Talent department that Sky Garden had ever known.

There was no doubt in his mind. Even if she wasn't here anymore – he'd honor all she'd helped him become, and he'd start by using his talents to bring a hint of warmth to this gorgeous Indian girl's life.

"Alright," and with a nod of agreement, he moved to join Beli, gazing with heart at his reflection in the water before standing again. "This is the first thing that popped into my head…. I'll do my best."

Drifting away, thoughts and feelings detached from the outside world, Winters entered a place of his own. He sank, deeper and deeper into an endless sea, a hand embracing his, taking him into the depths. Flickers of magenta, magical sparkles and an ensnaring smile.

'Okay, Mike. Keep it together. Cool and collected...'

He was the fallen hero, an agent for an overwhelming lady of winged perfection – and this was his moment to shine.

"Our dreams are never ending. Still I keep pretending… it's all said and done. You are my strongest feeling, in the face of truth. These wounds are still healing. So I'll say my goodbyes, before I go."

Venus – the mistress, the mastermind behind all of this, the reason Kyu was no longer here – it was impossible to forget her overpowering aura, the light inside her body hotter than fire, and the way a simple touch of her fingertips against the skin could paralyze a mortal man.

"You're the rift in my life, the arms that held me in the night. It's too much, for me to say, but I'll scream it any way. Even though I keep on asking…. If it was love. Was that not enough?"

Conflict – alive and well at Mike's core as always. On the one hand, it would be easier to forget, and yet at the same time it was so very tempting to make a stand. Was it possible to get the attention of a love goddess? Could a mere human stare the very embodiment of passion in the eyes and issue a challenge?

"You are my future and my past. My sweet glimmer of the last. So I'll keep these lights alive – somewhere deep inside. Remember every moment, every tear and every smile; make these memories worth my while."

No amount of singing songs about strength and resilience changed a thing. The urge was still there, to take it all back, not to run away, but to turn and fight for all it was worth. What would it take?

"No, I won't turn and run from you. I'll stand my ground and see this through. I look deep down… I want to say… it didn't matter anyway… but in the bottom of my heart… I know how close we came… even if I watched you walk away."

A promising client with potential aplenty brought a fairy from Sky Garden. The opposite of that, heartbreak and pain brought the goddess to restore the balance. Yet he couldn't help but wonder why. How were the clients chosen? Who decided where each fairy would go? It was a mystery so far.

"But I'm not afraid of you! There's too much to win… too much to lose. So now, I need to know… if there's a place for me to go. It's all here… for you to see! Inside the deepest depths of me! As I stare into your eyes… I'll smile and say it one last time."

Sure, Kyu acted in her own interest, but who was perfect? Was anybody so truthful to a fault that they'd pursue their desires without being selfish? If anything, why was Venus so determined to seperate them?

"So carry me on angel wings, and we'll see what the future brings. If there's one thing I remember, it's the magic in your hands… bringing me ashore to golden sands. If I could reach out one last time, I'd thank you with a smile… before I say goodbye… cuz you're dream won't ever die."

Pink, red, gold, black. Music notes, stars, teardrops and a crescent moon. The road that brought him here was a long one, but there was no sense in letting go of the journey. It made him the person he was today.

"Who am I to say this game is done, when the story's just begun? There's a path ahead of me, alive with lights to set me free. Even if I there's only twenty moves… doesn't mean I'm gonna lose, because this life is mine to choose…. I'll look up the sky…. I won't forget… that I'm the greatest project yet…"

Exhaling deeply, Mikey collected himself. Back again, connected to the world, he stood, tall, a gentle curve of his lips. "There you go... not the best song I've written... but it fit the mood for me, you know?"

"Oh wow," Beli squeaked.

Tiny tears of crystal radiance leaked from the corners of her eyes. Smiling all the while, she reached into the pocket of her pants for a handkerchief, checked and red, to dab the water away.

"That was," she paused, her expression showing nothing short of astonishment. "Amazing…. Your voice… and…."

"I don't know why… but I could've sworn I saw a faint outline around your body… so blue and soothing. Perhaps it was your aura….."

Hmm, well this was a first, all right. It was something of an aura, that much was true, the aura of talent, of everything that made the musician worth his while. No girl before Beli had the power to see it. What made this peaceful Indian yoga instructor so special?

Mike sat back down beside her – brushing the thought away for now. He was calm and cool again, his raging trait of deepest blue at rest. "Maybe…. I'm happy you liked it. Heck, it doesn't have a title yet. Wanna help with that?"

"Oh," Beli pondered, hands clasped together. "I'd love to. Now, what should we call you, mister song?"

Okay, that was cute, there was no denying it, either. So cute in fact that there was no choice but to give a couple of extra minutes to make up her mind.

So, Mike waited as his lovely dark-haired aqquintance unlinked her fingers, tapping gently against the stone of the fountain. Wow, she was concentrating hard, so hard her nose was twitching.

"Goodness me," she smiled in victory. "I have the perfect idea! How about Mirrors? It's a very deep and reflective song... most definately."

"I like the sound of that," Mikey smirked, reaching out to give a supportive pat on the shoulder. "The inspiration came for it came from a few different places... not to mention a movie I watched with my friend at her place a while back. Few beers, that kinda thing. You like movies, Beli?"

Beli looked onward with a sad smile. "I'm sorry…. I'm not really the kind of girl that goes to the theatre very often… but I still found your rendition to be wonderful!"

"Well thank you very much. Makes me feel good to know I can brighten your day with my voice. Next time around I'll find something better to test work my vocals with."

"I'd like that very much." Beli looked to her reflection in the water of the fountain once again, smiling as Mike joined her. "You have my thanks for our crossing paths here tonight."

That was when she went quiet, pulling away from the sight of her doppelganger in the water and holding her hands close to the chest in a reserved, all too familiar crimson flush.

"I'd be very happy to see you again too, if that's okay with you? Of course… it's okay if not but…. I've taken up a lot of your time this evening and…."

She needed to stop right there. What was it with Miss Lapran and always feeling as though she was an inconvenience to people? Sighing, Mike placed his hand atop of hers in a compassionate, encouraging smile.

"You can stop worrying. Name the place and give me a call. You're not bothering me at all…. Anything but, if I'm being honest."

"Okay," Beli whispered, eyes averted. Once again, she played the role of a tortoise hidden within its shell. "Would Tuesday afternoon, say at around four be okay with you? I'd quite like to take a walk at the hiking trail near the woods."

Mike was fine with that. It was maybe a little more peaceful a pastime than he was used to. Nevertheless, would it hurt to spend some time relaxing away from the adrenaline of music and the cloudy haze of alcohol? He sure needed it.

So, with a nod, he gave his agreement. "I've got nothing booked until Friday next week so that's fine with me. Still… you mind if I ask something?"

"Go right ahead," Beli consented, squeezing his hand just the slightest bit harder. "I had a feeling there was something on your mind."

She could tell? Was it that obvious?

"My turn to throw out a deep question after the other day…. You think karma's a real thing?"

Outside of the four walls of his little song world, the musician couldn't help but wonder. Was Venus his karma? Was the way he treated Tiffany and his time with Jessie repaid through losing Kyu?

There came a stern nod from Beli, her demeanour the slightest bit stronger in the assurance section than before. The strength in those fuchsia eyes of hers, it was almost enough to make the head spin.

"The world we live in is all about balance. I like to believe that if we take too much we're rewarded negatively. Likewise, if we treat those around us with kindness and compassion…. We're given kindness and compassion in return. That's how I was raised by maji at home."

Words of depth and wisdom that Mike was quietly thankful for, if not a little unnerved. It made him question this whole thing further. Just what was he supposed to do when it came t-

"You seem troubled," Beli spoke softly – giving a genuine, almost motherly smile. "I saw it when you sang for me earlier, too…. Is there anything I can do to help you this time, Mike?"

It was for the best to keep Beli as far away from his personal issues as possible. The one-way system they had worked fine. No matter how intriguing this lady was, mesmerizing in her beauty, even, she couldn't do much in the way of helping with matters of magic.

"I'll be fine," Mike smiled gratefully. "Honestly, I'm just happy I've had the chance to cheer you up."

With that, it was time to go as well. At the core of everything, deep and forbidden to the eyes of others, it was difficult to deny the underlying fear. Both of these meetings brought Beli closer, a closeness it was hard not be afraid of – a selfish fear, but a fear nonetheless.

Winters got up from his spot beside the Indian beauty, slowly letting go of her hand with a weak upward curve of the lips. "I'll see you around, okay?"

"Is it something I said?"

She was onto him – her intuition both fierce and far-reaching, great.

Miss Lapran got up too, looking more than a little disheartened. "Forgive me if I've offended you… especially after you've been so kind to me."

There was no withstanding the gravitational pull of those sad, almost pleading puppy dog eyes of hers. Sighing deeply, utterly defeated, Mike shook his head, holding out his hand for her to take.

"It's not you…. It's me being difficult. I might talk about it some other time, but for now… if you wanna help, would you mind walking with me?"

Beli nodded quietly, saying not another word as she took his hand in her own. "Of course I will…."

The way her fingers, so long and elegant clasped within his, was almost magical in its own special way. Such closeness, such genuine compassion, almost childlike and naive in its intensity, felt as though it could lift the weight of a heavy heart, if only for now.

So, as they walked, hand in hand, two people slightly less strangers than before, Mike looked to the sky in thanks. There was nothing wrong with a moment of pure, innocent affection.

At the gates of Dawnwood, they'd no doubt part ways – but if anything, this conflicted singer wanted to believe one thing - that Beli Lapran had nothing but the best of intentions at heart, despite the bitter tinge of unease within.

Locked within the vault of his thoughts once again, memories awash with the countless different faces that'd already bombarded him over the course of the evening, Mike held Beli's hand just that little bit tighter for support.

'It's like Beli said… the world needs balance. I'd better remember that while I decide on what to do next. You know what they say…. You only live twice… and this is my second shot. Wherever I go from here… I better make it count.'

To be continued….


There you have it – the end of the second chapter. Did you enjoy it? Is there something you'd like to see in future, maybe? You're more than welcome to leave some feedback if you'd like. I'm really enjoying this story so far, and I have a few good ideas for future parts.

As always, keep on supporting Huniepop and Huniecam Studio. I'll see you in the next chapter. Thanks again for your time!