Chapter 3: First Day Blues

The room was dark, shadows seemingly casting shadows and the blinds pulled shut tight. A digital clock on the desk glowed faintly, bathing the room in a gentle, green glow yet not disturbing the shadows. The warm air shifted as the sleeping figure in the bed rolled over, mumbling quietly.

All was calm once again until five minutes later as the boy buried his head into the pillows, groaning over a distant nightmare. It wasn't to long before he sleepily rose to a sitting position in bed, pushing his silver hair out of his face. Amethyst eyes swept over the room, trying to recognize his surroundings.

With no luck, he groaned again and shuffled a crossed the room. His reflection caught his eye and he looked at himself glumly. Even in the pale light he could see that his nightmare had followed him out of his dream.

"What a perfect day…" Neku sighed, rubbing his eyes. He stumbled over to the door and peered out. He didn't recognize this hallway either.

Now a bit nervous, Neku crept down the stairs and looked out.

This place he remembered and a familiar face greeted him.

"Heeey, Phones. Sleep well?"

Neku shook his head and muttered, "Yeah… yeah, I slept fine…"

Mr. Hanekoma tustled his hair a little bit. "Ha, ha, you conked out last night so I carried you up to my room."

Neku tried to remember the events of last night but couldn't recollect anything past the point of his laying his head down onto a table, thinking he was tired.

"Hey, where's Espresso?" Neku asked, looking around for the dog.

The barista pointed upwards towards the ceiling and Neku found the dog determinately sniffing it, slowly walking around the ceiling fan.

"Oh."

Mr. H didn't look away from the dog. "Yeah… Yeah, I think we'll start with the basics." He said, as if in a far off dream. "You know, sit, rollover, stay… no, we'll save 'stay' for later. Might be a bit too hard for 'em.

Neku sighed.

I wonder what Joshua is doing right about now... He thought. Then quickly pushed the thought away. He didn't really want to know…

Joshua beamed, quickly brushing through Neku's locker combo. He hadn't been to school for a long time. He did, though, see people go to school and such. He knew very well things were far different from the last time he had gone and was well prepared. It would make an interesting experience.

Quickly opening the locker he began to fish out the things he would need for class. He did a mental check on Neku's class schedual, something he had memorized, along with other various things about Neku's life. He wouldn't go as far as to call himself a stalker, just brilliantly informed through studying him for things he could use against him.

Oh how he loved to tease Neku, every reaction priceless. His face would just get into that perfect position at times he had to keep himself from quickly snapping a picture of it for keepsake. He'd do anything to drive him to the edge.

Speaking of which…

Joshua turned to see Shiki running up to him, waving.

"Neku! Look!" She held Mr. Mew up into his face. "See? All better!"

"Why so he is…"

Shiki pet the stuffed cat's head. "It wasn't that hard. Good thing you were there to save him."

"Yo, Phones!" He heard another voice call out. Beat pushed his way through the crowd, Rhyme following close behind. "Where were you yesterday, man? We were s'posed to meet up and head off to dat movie!"

"Whoops, I kinda got distracted." He chuckled.

Beat punched Joshua in the arm, making him wince. Even in Neku's body, it hurt. He didn't wish to get on Beat's bad side in the future when things were back to normal.

"S'okay! We can go see it tonight!"

Shiki shifted her weight to the other foot. "Um… well I was sort of hoping…"

Rhyme smiled innocently. "Oh yeah Beat. We can't do that tonight! We better to get to class then."

"Bwaaa!? But why!? We had plans yo!"

Rhyme sighed. "Shiki already told you."

"Told me what?" He asked, while being dragged away by his little sister.

Joshua and Shiki watched them disappear into the crowd, before Shiki spoke again.

"Hey Neku? I was wondering…"

Joshua looked back at her and smiled. "Yeees?"

She giggled quietly as her face grew red. "You see… there's a carnival here tonight. Well, it's here all week but tonight's the opening night and I was wondering… if you would… like to go?"

The Composer grinned evilly. "I would love to! How does seven sound?"

"You agreed to WHAT!?"

"Yes, Neku, a date." Joshua smirked. "With Shiki."

Neku seethed, trying to kick away the dog that was knawing at his leg. "She asked NEKU out on a date! ME!!!"

Joshua twisted a silver lock of hair from Neku's face around his finger. "Oh, but 'Joshua,' you can't go. She wants Neku. Last time I checked, that was me."

"You could have said no! You could have made up an excuse!"

"And hurt her poor little feelings? Crush her heart with heavy rejection?"

Neku felt himself being trapped in a corner with the argument. "Gently maybe! Like, you have an essay to do or something! And stop playing with my hair!!!" He yelled, batting away Joshua's hand.

Joshua giggled. "Hee hee… Actually, it's my hair." And to prove his point he deliberately ran his fingers through the gray strands, pushing back the bangs and digging his fingers into his scalp.

Neku swept his hair back into place, backing away angrily.

Mr. Hanekoma picked Espresso up and away from Neku's tumbling feet. "I think agreeing was the best thing he could do. He is trying to fill in your position you know. He can't avoid your friends."

"Your taking his side!?" Neku flopped down into a chair and hung his head. "This can't be happening…"

Joshua looked at the clock. "Hm… I better get going. I need to get ready for my date."

"Treat the little lady nicely!" Sanae winked and passed Joshua some cash.

"You are on his side!"

"Just helping."

Joshua giggled and walked out, the bell ringing with his exit.

The next few minutes were silent as they both stared at the door, Mr. Hanekoma calm and Neku glaring hard enough to set the door on fire with it's intensity.

"I'm going." Neku stated. "And you're not going to stop me."

The Producer laughed. "That's the spirit! Fine, go ahead but don't interfere with the UG. Even in the RG, Joshua could still interact with them."

"I don't care about the stupid game, I just want to make sure Joshua doesn't do something I'll regret." Neku grumbled, pushing open the door.

Neku watched Joshua and Shiki study a map, Joshua occasionally pointing and Shiki nodding while blushing.

Neku whirled back around the corner he was hiding behind. "How could he make her blush like that!? How could she even believe that snot is even me!?"

He peered around the corner once again. Joshua looked up from the map and gave Neku a devious smirk.

So he knows I'm here… Neku narrowed his eyes.

Joshua looked back at the map like nothing happened. Then he stretched and wrapped an arm around Shiki, causing her to blush more.

Neku sunk to the ground. "That dirty little…"

Joshua pulled her in close and pointed to another spot, saying something to her quietly. She appeared to agree and they both stood up and walked away.

Neku followed a ways behind them, trying to appear as, 'who me? Stalking? Pfft, nah…'

Neku groaned watching them stroll into the carnival game area.

"Aw, Neku! Look!" Shiki pointed up to the large stuffed animals hanging from one of the booths. "Aren't they cute!"

"Hm, would you like to have a go?"

Shiki looked at the game. "I don't know, it looks pretty hard. I'm not good with darts."

Joshua giggled. "Well, give it a shot."

Neku watched her throw the darts at the balloons pathetically. He couldn't help but smile. She looked so cute like that. Her tongue partially out and pressed between her lips in concentration, her steady gaze on the target… he wished silently that she would hit one, just to see her happy…

"Aw… I didn't get any…"

"Its all in the wrist." Joshua informed, placing more yen on the table. "Watch."

He placed a dart in Shiki's hand and placed his over hers. Then wrapping an arm around her waist, he pressed his body up against hers, resting his head on her shoulder.

Shivers raced up Neku's back as he could only watch Joshua take complete control of the moment.

"Loosen your grip, don't worry, I have a hold of it. Relax your shoulders and breath deeply. There you go. Now raise you arm like this…"

He guided her through, hitting the balloons each time. Neku gripped the side of the chair as Joshua was passed a huge panda bear. He gave it to Shiki, who hugged him in return.

"Thanks Neku!"

From behind Shiki's hug, Joshua smiled at Neku.

Neku withheld the temptation the march over there and strangle him.

"Say, Shiki." Joshua brushed a few strands of hair from her face. "Why don't we go on a few rides?"

"Okay!"

Neku followed them everywhere, each time Joshua did his best to drive Neku up a wall. After the roller coaster he held Shiki till she felt better, held hands through a movie, took her up a Ferris wheel and passing the guy in charge a few bucks to stop them at the top… for what seemed hours...

Neku sipped his soda angrily as he watched the two exit the fun house and headed for the concession stands. Joshua ordered them a few things and sat on a bench a few chairs away from Neku.

"That was so fun!"

"You looked silly in that one room."

"So did you!" Shiki laughed, biting into some cotton candy.

Joshua held her hand, giving Neku some more taunting looks. Neku's heart filled with grief when he saw Shiki's expression turn sad.

"Um… Neku?"

"Yes?"

"Did I do something wrong yesterday?"

The question caught Joshua off guard. "What do you mean by that?"

Shiki smiled weakly. "I don't know… you just seem… different. Like you're not yourself."

"I can assure you, I'm the same as I was yesterday."

Shiki stared at her lap. "You feel… off… that's all." She quickly looked up. "Maybe I took things to quickly! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kissed you! I should've waited, I--!"

Joshua placed a finger over her lips. "Sh…" and he gently placed his lips on hers.

Blood spurted out of Neku's nose and he grabbed several napkins, covering his nose with them. That stuck up, arrogant… I'lll KILL him!!!

Neku was forced to count the seconds, minutes at that, as they kissed. The two finally broke away and Joshua held her close, shooting yet another glance in Neku's direction.

Shiki sighed, pulling away. "This was a fun night and all, but I think I'm ready to go home…"

"Sure, I'll walk you home."

"No, it's fine…" Shiki stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"You too."

As soon as Shiki was out of sight, Neku stormed up to Joshua's side. "How could you do that!?"

Joshua swept back his bangs. "What ever could you mean, Neku? I was simply entertaining her… hee hee…"

"Entertain her my rear!" Neku snarled.

Joshua looked up at Neku dully. "Is that a nose bleed? Wait… were you having naughty thoughts?"

"If anyone is having dirty thoughts it you!"

Joshua sighed loudly, looking away. In that moment where Joshua had let himself go, Neku saw how tired he looked. Joshua was worn out, like he had been stressing out the night before, not unlike Neku. In a second though, the look was gone as Joshua smiled deviously. "You should calm down Neku, you're going to give me an ulcer or something…"

"Calm down? How can I calm down?" He wasn't yelling anymore but there was still anger in his voice.

"I'm doing my job. It was going to be normal date till you showed up. Hee hee, I decided I'd make things interesting…"

Neku opened his mouth to say something back but stopped. Joshua was right. He was playing his part. And if what he says about his arrival was true… that means that it's his fault Joshua kissed Shiki.

Neku hung his head. "Joshua… We're going to be stuck like this for a while, aren't we?"

Joshua pulled at the large collar around his neck. "Well it all depends on the dog. It's in good care and I'm sure Sanae knows what he's doing. It'll only be for—"

"Cut the crap, Joshua. How long?"

Joshua sighed. "Mr. Hanekoma seems confident but…"

"…But?

The Composer was silent for an excruciating minute or two. "I think it'll be a long time. Months, if we're lucky."

Neku hung his head sadly. "And Shiki…"

"Will never know." Joshua finished. "If worst comes to worst, I'll have Sanae train you to use my powers and take my place as Composer."

"But, it won't come to that, will it?"

Joshua remained silent.

Neku's phone, actually 'Joshua's' phone went off as he received a text message.

'Time to come home boss, it's late.'

Neku opened the door and slowly walked in. Seeing the barista there made him a bit happier.

"Tough night?" He asked.

Neku nodded. "I'll think I'll head off to bed."

" 'Aight, you remember what room it is?"

"Yeah." He mumbled climbing the stairs. He stopped for a moment and turned to look at the Producer. "How long do you think it will take to change us back?"

Mr. Hanekoma laughed. "Not too long! Espresso can already sit… sort of. Ah, well we always got tomorrow. You'll help me of course, right?"

Neku waved his words away tiredly. "Right, right." He finished ascending the stairs and slipped on the oversized pajamas he had set out for him. Then he crawled into bed, thinking about what Joshua had said.

He didn't want to be like this forever. Was Joshua really that worried?

He curled up into a ball, dismissing the thought. Joshua was probably just trying to freak him out again. Neku laughed and closed his eyes. Of course he was pulling his leg! Joshua getting that serious and well… emo sounding was just ridicules! Right?

Of course at another location, Joshua lay awake in Neku's bed, staring at the ceiling. He placed a hand on his head and groaned. "What have I gotten myself into…"

(Author's notes: Gah! I got emo-ish at the end! *slaps myself* and so half heartedly thrown together! I just wanted a simple chapter before the real problems begin and... *sigh* The next chapter I will have to get hilarious with now! How about… a special character entrance? Espresso style! –lol it won't be an OC, I promise!-)