There You Go Again

by inspire-the-writer-x3

After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?

3. Meet and Greet

Hey fellow readers!
Thankyou so for all the support I've received through reviews. I appreciate it so much and I can't thank you enough. God bless you all(:
So here's chapter 3 so please again, leave a review & tell me what you think!
There's a surprise at the end of this chapter that I won't spoil so sorry if it's a little lengthy but I assure you it's worth it!
Look forward to hearing what you have to say,

inspire-the-writer-x3

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Troop.

SYNOPSIS: After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?

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Chapter 3: Meet and Greet

Like Jake had previously assumed, we did go through an hour of security checks after we left the plane. We also almost got arrested when a junior security officer caught us with various monster fighting technology, including freeze rays and laser blasters in our suitcases. We tried explaining to him that we were here due to a special job but we couldn't expose him to the secret society we belonged too. Finally, we could finally exit the security chambers by contacting Mr Stockley so he could explain to another office, who was definitely older, what we were doing here. It was quite strange how Mr Stockley could just show the Troop badge or just say a single word and we were automatically allowed to be let go. I had to learn that trick off him one day.

Luckily, we didn't have too much trouble finding out suitcases in the rotating carousels. Jake decided to be all 'manly' and whatnot and try to retrieve all our lugages. When he saw Felix's, he attempted to lift it up with one hand but failed. I tried not to laugh but a giggle escaped me and I saw Felix smirking too. Jake shot us a glare and Felix being the slight pushover he was, rushed over to Jake to help him carry his luggage. Felix and Jake continued to retrieve the luggages and we ended up having to wait a few minutes for mine. I started to panic that my baggage didn't make it to Japan and Felix just slung his arm over my shoulders as a gesture to relax me a little. I smiled back at him and suddenly, Jake ran to the luggage dispenser. I looked at him and he was tugging at a huge pink suitcase that looked like mine. I stood there, dumbfounded that Jake had found it, and he shone me a dazzling grin, as he pulled it over to us.

"Thanks Jake," I smiled, taking the suitcase into my hands.

"No problem, Hayley," he winked, as he slung his back pack over his shoulder, "You know I had to prove you wrong about you and Felix thinking I was weak. I am certainly not weak. We Collins men are known to be the braun of the family,"

"And not the brains," Felix coughed, making me chuckle, as Jake just frowned.

We continued to walk out in search of the Japanese Troop when we heard a high pitched scream.

"Felix!"

We all turned around and saw two, hyped Japanese girls, with pig tails, tied in pink bows. One was dressed in a yellow dress with colourful buttons; the other with a green tank top and a blue mini-skirt. Behind them though, was a Japanese man with sleek black hair and a mysterious but alluring side fringe. He wore dark jeans and a navy blue shirt that made his figure more appealing than I remembered it. My mouth watered only slightly and I couldn't stop the blush from creeping up to my cheeks when he winked at me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Jake furrow his brows at me and roll his eyes in disgust.

"Hey Yuki and Keiko!" Felix chirped, as the girls giggled, "I missed you a lot. I'm sorry we ended up a...bad note on your last visit,"

"Oh that is ok," Yuki replied, the one in a yellow dress, "It is all in the past. We overreacted, and for that we are sorry,"

Keiko nodded in agreement and they gave Felix a kiss on the cheek simultaneously. Felix turned a shade of beetroot red and Jake and I just chuckled. Akira then looked at me and grinned. He walked towards me and bowed a little, as part of common courtesy.

"Greetings Hayley," Akira said, a little too formally, "I have missed you dearly since I left America. Welcome to Japan; I hope you have a great time here and I really do appreciate you coming here to work with us on our little monster problem. I am very grateful to be in your honour,"

I blushed again, as Keiko and Yuki stopped fawning over Felix for one second to lean over to me and give me a bone-crushing hug.

"You know he really likes you," Keiko whispered into my ear, as I saw Yuki nod at this statement.

"I guess I've missed you too," I replied politely, turning back to Akira, "And no problem. Fighting monsters is our duty- it's what we do because we've joined the Troop,"

"Hayley," Akira stated firmly, making me extremely nervous, "My feelings for you have remained unchanged. Maybe one day, we could go out and explore the city?"

Before I had the chance to reply, I was cut off by Jake, who had strangely stayed silent this whole time except make annoyed faces at Akira for talking to me. What was his problem anyway? Since Brett and I were no longer an item, I was free to do whatever I wanted. Why was Jake acting like over-protective brother? I frowned as Jake started to speak.

"Don't you think that's a little...early to discuss plans before we've finished here with our initial duties?" Jake challenged devilishly, "Besides, I'm starving. Let's go get lunch,"

Awkwardly, Akira smiled at me and gestured me to walk in front of him, as he took the handle of my suitcase and tugged it for me. I though it was incredibly sweet for him to be such a gentleman. Jake was behind me talking to Felix and the other girls so I never got a chance to see his reaction. For some reason, I knew it was something I wouldn't have enjoyed.

"I hope you all like sushi," Akira shouted, as we crossed a busy road to walk on the other side of the street, "I'm going to take you all to my favourite sushi place in Tokyo. Yuki, Keiko and I have decided to give you an authentic Japanese experience when you stay here with us. I hope you're all ok with this,"

"That sounds great!" Felix said; excitement evident in his voice.

"But there's a problem," Jake interjected, making 4 heads turn around to look at him, "Hayley hates seafood,"

This time, 4 pairs of eyes stared at my face and I sighed. It was true- I hated seafood. It was because I wasn't a fan of slimy or raw food and...the bare thought of fish or prawns or eel for lunch made my stomach flip. Akira told the others to go ahead and to leave the three of us- Jake, him and myself, to talk things out. Since Keiko and Yuki already knew the way, they guided Felix to the restaurant down the busy lane and told us they would reserve a table of 6 for all of us.

"Sorry," I mumbled, "I didn't mean to ruin your special lunch, Akira,"

"It's fine," he laughed, "I'm sure they'll be noodles or something else there that you can eat. And if not, I'll take you somewhere else,"

"No," Jake insisted with force, "I'll take her somewhere to eat. You don't even know what she eats and what she doesn't eat. How the hell will you be able to know where she wants to eat if you don't know what she'll eat?"

Akira was taken aback by Jake's rant and I was truly shocked. Why did Jake care so much for me? I started to fidget with the edges of my hoodie, until I realised I didn't bring a jacket with me onto the plane. I looked down and I suddenly realised I was still wearing Jake's hoodie; the warm and comfortable article of clothing Jake had let me borrow when I had lied about it being cold- not that I would ever pass on a chance to wear Jake's clothes. There was just something about him wearing it that made him look so damn attractive and irresistible...oh god, what was I saying? I shook my head and witnessed Akira and Jake arguing...again. I knew that they never got along but their constant bickering was endless and pointless.

"I know the area better than you, Collins," Akira hissed, as he neared Jake, "Why do you even care about Hayley? She's only your friend,"

I looked at Jake and his eyes were clouded again with thoughts that I couldn't decipher. For some reason, I had hoped that Jake would tell me that I was more than a friend...but I realised that was wrong. Jake was only my friend; my partner- the guy who would come to my rescue when I was in trouble, but not for a relationship. But still, I secretly thought he would tell me he liked me and I had no idea why.

"You're right," Jake said, barely above a whisper, "She's only a friend. Now can we just go eat lunch, I'm so damn straving,"

We walked to Akira's favourite sushi restaurant in silence. Akira looked quite pissed off so he walked ahead of Jake and I, leaving me to gather my own thoughts. Why did I care so much if Jake thought I was only his friend? It's not like I felt more...

I rolled my eyes subconsciously as I was consumed in my head and Jake gave me a quick 'are you ok?' glance. My heart couldn't help but flutter a little as I returned him a 'of course, I'm fine,' smile. I realised then, that the quiet, unspoken moments with Jake were the ones I remembered and cherished most, because the ones that involved talking usually involved us arguing. I laughed softly, as Akira pushed the door to the sushi place, but because he didn't hold the door for me, the door slammed soundly against my face.

"Oww," I mumbled, stumbling back a little, "That hurt,"

A strong pair of arms encircled my waist, preventing me to fall to the ground. I turned around, as Jake's concerned, beautiful eyes looked at me, with a facade of confusion and anger. My heart sped up and I was extremely aware of how close we were right now; my back leaning on his front. I could feel all the muscles flex against his thin shirt, even when I was wearing his warm hoodie. Of course by now, Akira and Felix had gotten up from their seats as Yuki and Keiko minded our table so no one would take it by accident. Felix had a bewildered expression present on his face while Akira was still neutral. It was like he wasn't affected by hitting me in the face with a door at all. So much for Akira liking me.

"You ok, Hayley?" Felix asked, clearly curious on what had happened because knowing him, he knew that the Hayley he had become so close with did not get hurt from a door.

"Yeah, fine," I replied, giving him a shaky smile, even when my head throbbed with pain.

"She isn't fine, and you want to know why? That bastard slammed the door in her face and he doesn't even give a flying poodle about her! And you say you like her? Listen to me Akira," Jake snapped; his voice dangerously low, "If you ever hurt her again- I don't care if it's emotionally or physically, I'll bash you into a bloody pulp,"

My eyes widened at Jake's response as Akira's posture stiffened. Felix started to bite his nails in anxiety because he knew that Jake was a fighter and would always follow his gut. I really hated that gut of his sometimes because I knew Akira would beat him when it came to self defence; I mean, come on- Akira even beat me several times when he had visited Lakewood High.

"Jake Collins, I do not approve of your tone and use of the English language," Akira said placidly, "But I do acknowledge that hurting Hayley was a mistake. Hayley," he bowed, turning around to face me, "I am truly sorry. It was an accident and I am sorry I do not show my sincerity or my sorrow. The Japanese Troop has learnt very well to hide their feelings and not show vulnerability,"

I was unsure of how to react to Akira's words because they were cold and slightly harsh to Jake and through the gritting of Jake's teeth right now, I could tell Jake was certainly mad about it. He had given me a good reason and he did apologise so maybe I could just give him one more chance...

I was momentarily distracted as Felix led Jake to the table for him to order some food. Jake was being extremely stubborn as he wanted to wait to hear my response to Akira's apology but Felix had convinced him that the growling in his stomach was more than enough evidence that he was starving and that Jake needed to nourish himself before we started our mission tomorrow. Jake gave me a slight smile and a death glare at Akira, we simply rolled his eyes at his childish actions. As soon as Jake and Felix had walked away, Akira grabbed my hand and placed kisses on my fingers gently. My heart leaped a little due to the surprise of his actions and I could feel him smirk against my hand.

"I am truly sorry Hayley," Akira whispered slowly, "I hope this makes up for it,"

Akira placed his lips against my cheek for a long but soft kiss. It felt like forever til he pulled away from my now wet cheek, as I realised I thought Akira was being very sweet and delicate with me. Everyone did make mistakes and sometimes, you just needed to give the ones you love, or in this case like a second chance.

"Fine Akira, you can have one more chance. But treat me badly and I won't hesitate to hurt you," I answered seriously, hoping silently that I wouldn't regret it.

"That's all I ask for," Akira smiled, giving me another quick kiss on the cheek, "You know I would never want to hurt you. I just want the best for us and I promise that after this mission, we will get quality time together. A date would be nice, wouldn't it?"

I nodded, laughing a little as Akira took my hand and led me to the table. It was strange to have an almost boyfriend after finding out your boyfriend was cheating on you with another chick less than 24 hours ago, although travelling to other countries really did mess up your body clock. What time was it at Lakewood anyway?

Yuki and Keiko had already finished their sushi and were too busy giggling with Felix and Jake to notice Akira and I approach the table. Jake winked at one of the girls and I couldn't help but feel a tingle of jealousy. It's probably a reflex, I thought, knowing that Akira was the only guy that liked me at the moment and I guess I was interested in him too. Akira gestured me to enter the booth first and I grinned, giving him a thankyou kiss on the cheek. His cheeks turned pink against his pale skin and I couldn't help but find him quite adorable. My nose was definitely feeling better after he had accidentally slammed it. I glanced at everyone and saw they were giving Akira weird looks except one person.

Jake had his clouded eyes aimed over at me with one eyebrow lifted in curiosity. I felt myself melt into a puddle under his expecting gaze as his eyes travelled down my face to my slightly bruised nose, incredibly flushed cheeks and then my...my lips. A gasp nearly escaped me when I saw Jake checking out my face and I tore my stare away from him to look at someone else, anybody else but Jake.

I suddenly felt stupid. What if Jake wasn't even looking at my lips? What if his eyes just so happened to trail its way down to my lips? I looked back at Jake and saw him laughing at something Felix had said. His eyes were glistening with content and his laugh that rumbled from his chest was one of the most beautiful sounds I had ever heard. His lips looked so damn kissable and maybe if Akira and Leanne were out of the way...

I slapped myself mentally. How could I even be thinking about Jake that way?

"Hayley, how about we go back to my place and get you some lunch there?" Akira asked quite suggestively, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Why would she be going there?" Jake smirked dangerously, as I was astonished he had answered for me again.

"Can you stop answering for me Jake?" I snapped, sick of this 'protective vibe' he always sent Akira, "I can handle myself just fine. Could you just trust me with my decisions for once?"

Jake remained silent- his mouth slightly opened and his eyes wide with shock. Akira snickered and I shot him a glare too. None of these boys were doing much for themselves and the reputations they held in my head right now. My face turned sour.

"But Jake does have a point," I continued, avoiding eye contact with Jake completely, "Why would I be coming over? Mr Stockley told us we would be staying at a hotel,"

"That's right," Felix piped in, "I thought we were staying at a Japanese Hotel called the Cherry Blossom. It should be located right-"

"I am afraid, Felix, that all the hotels in Japan have pretty much closed down due the recent burst of monsters. We are scared of losing our tourism industry so for now, the Government has invested all its money into advancing our army and our weapons, in case a monster attack is present. Of course, this is a secret file and not many people in Japan know about it, apart from us, obviously, our troop adviser, and the Government's defense faculty," Keiko explained.

"This is why we have so kindly decided to let one of you sleep at each of our houses. Akira, being the troop leader decided to keep Hayley for himself and for Felix and Jake to come sleep at our houses. We have room for you two people and Akira also has a spare room, although it's only big enough to hold one person," Yuki smiled.

"I'm fine with that idea!" Felix shouted, as he gained a small slap on the arm from both Jake and I.

"Hayley is not, and I repeat not staying with him at his house, alone," Jake seethed.

"We're not going to be alone," Akira scoffed, "My parents will be home,"

"I don't care!" Jake exclaimed, "I'm not letting Hayley stay with a guy. I doubt her parents would want that either,"

"Jake's right guys," Felix sighed, "Hayley's parents are quite uptight. How about Jake, you stay with Akira, and Hayley and I can have a slumber party with the girls!"

Felix received several slaps from Keiko, Yuki and I, but unlike them, I was scowling and not giggling like an airhead. I guess I should speak up before Jake and Akira rip each other's eyes out.

"Look guys, I really appreciate you guys letting us stay over at your homes, especially when the hotels are closed down. We were unaware of the current situation but we're willing to make it work. I'm sorry Akira, but I can't stay with you. My parents would totally go nuts," I apologised, chuckling a little when I imagined my parents ranting at me for sleepover at a guy's house, "And I'm sorry Jake, I shouldn't have snapped at you. You were only looking out for me, and I'm thankful for that. But I have no idea how this is going to work since Jake and I both can't stay with Akira, and Felix wants to stay with the girls," I smiled sadly, as Felix shook his head vigourously in approval when I mentioned him about being with Keiko and Yuki.

"Well then it's settled," Jake grinned evilly, "Felix can stay with Akira and Hayley and I will stay with Keiko and Yuki,"

Akira mumbled some Japanese under his breath which sounded like a curse. Felix, on the other hand, had become a little desperate as he tugged on Jake's sleeve and begged him for him to change places with him. I couldn't help but smile a little knowing that I could get space away from Akira, to properly clear my head and think about if I was really ready for a relationship so quick, and that I would be knowing Keiko and Yuki a little better, since we barely had time to bond because of their constant pining for Felix. But more importantly, I was thinking that I could spend more time with Jake, and that itself was its own reward. I didn't even bother punishing myself for thinking about hanging with Jake more often because I knew that it was what I really wanted. Besides, we were only friends- he even said himself. A pang of pain struck my heart and I winced, but I ignored it as I saw Akira, Felix and Keiko leave the restaurant without a word.

"Jake, Hayley, collect your luggage please. They are under the table," Yuki instructed softly, "Keiko is going to get our Troop car. Although we don't have our licenses yet, we were lucky enough to get such a gift from the German Troop, so we could use it to help us transport to places that were out of walking distance. I do realise you don't want to walk with all your heavy luggage so we'll take the car and get to our place in under 10 minutes,"

"Cool, Yuki, thanks again for everything," I answered, truly thankful that Yuki and Keiko were taking us in under short notice, "I hope Jake and I won't screw up and we won't be too much of a burden,"

"Yeah, sorry if Hayley snores in the middle of the night," Jake winked at Yuki, as she giggled and I scowled.

"Anything we should be warned about, Yuki? Like what we should and shouldn't go? And what about your parents, what do they like and what do they don't like? Oh and what about the bathroom? Will we have enough?" I asked, slightly frantically.

"It is ok Hayley, we have everything organised for your stay. There's not much except don't go into the kitchen without permission. Keiko and my mother are very unwelcoming to strangers that go to our kitchen, because she believes that amazing creations are made there and foreign spirits will disrupt the balance of things. Our mum is a little, how do you say...eccentric?" Yuki squeaked, as Jake and I started to chuckle and nod, indicating she had used to correct term, "Our father's out of town so you don't have to worry about him until next week or so. Do not wory so much Hayley, it's not good for your skin! Of course we have enough bathrooms for everyone, as long as no one takes too long in it...and there's another small thing I forgot to mention..."

"What?" Jake and I asked doubtfully.

"Well, we only have one room for you guys to share..."

"That's fine with me," Jake laughed as I rolled my eyes, punching him softly.

"Jake, it's not fine with me. I want my own privacy, but I guess this is what we have to put up with when monsters attack Japan," I sighed, noticing the pensive look on Yuki's face, "...There's more bad news, isn't there, Yuki?"

Yuki nodded timidly and gulped.

"You're not going to like it, seeing as you two argue all the time," Yuki pouted.

"We don't argue all the time," Jake frowned, "We eat together, laugh together and sometimes, when I'm lucky, the other one wears the other one's jacket and cuddles with the other one on a particularly long plane trip..."

Before Yuki could say 'Aww' at that particular comment, my anger bubbled within me, seeing what he was getting at. Like it was my fault I had cuddled up to him and that he had offered me his jacket. I punched his arm harshly as he winced, poked his tongue out at me and rubbed his arm tenderly with his hand. I smiled smugly in victory.

"Fine. But there's only one bed so-"

"WHAT?" Jake and I said again, except for this time, we had screamed it in disbelief.

"-you guys are going to have to share the bed,"

–

Hope you like this chapter & hope you don't criticise me too much because of this slight hang-cliffer hahah XD
You're very very very cool if you leave me a review!
I'm going to suffer writer's block anytime soon, so the beautiful comments and the large numbers of reviews you leave me really gets me going!
Please keep checking & I will try to update ASAP!
Again, review! Please & Thankyou~

inspire-the-writer-x3
(ps: you on team Akira or team Jake? Leave your answer in a review! I'm interested to see who likes Akira better, even when he slammed a door in Hayley's face.)