AU. OkitaXChizuru Romance.
A/n: Another installment. :) Enjoy.
Crazy
Chapter 7: Blind
The walk to the restaurant didn't take long and she was glad to see that it wasn't a necessarily hopping place, but it was fairly calm. Most sit-ins around campus were reserved to couples and big groups, which was what Chizuru liked about them. Most Frat guys or Sorority girls would be at the bar atmosphere places that were usually loud and smokey.
Okita was already there when she walked in and she smiled at him when she spotted him. He waved her over and her eyes widened when she noticed the large table he was seated at. "H-hey..." she mumbled, her eyes counting each empty seat with available silverware. 6 empty seats, her and Okita's included. "What's with the table...?" she asked.
Okita gave her that sly smirk and she felt stomach knot up. What was he planning? "It's the surprise I mentioned." He motioned to her seat which was right next to him, "Don't worry, it'll be fun!"
She wanted to ask what was going on, but she was interrupted when she heard the very familiar voice of Heisuke. His voice, as usual, carried fairly well in the restaurant, earning him dozens of stares from the few others inside dining.
"Oi, Souji!" Heisuke waved off the waitress attendant and came towards the table, his eyes bounced from him to Chizuru. "Hey, Chizuru!"
"Hey," Chizuru smiled politely at him and she glanced at Okita questionably.
Okita only smirked, his attention quickly jumping back to Heisuke. "Where are the others?" he asked him.
Heisuke shrugged and took the seat opposite them, "Hell if I know." He pursed his lips, "They were right behind me, so I figure they'll be here soon."
It wasn't even a second later before three more guys walked in, spotted them and then headed over. Chizuru instantly recognized two of them from the other night, the Security guys, Golden eyes and Blue eyes—Sanosuke and Shinpachi, if she remembered correctly. The other one she had seen maybe once or twice before, but other than that didn't know him. He had wispy jet black hair that suited his face perfectly and his eyes were a deep hue of borderline purple-blueish eyes. They were unusual, to say the least, but he fit the group when it came to odd, but beautiful looks.
His face, compared to the rest, was stoic and stern looking. In a lot of ways, he reminded her of Kazama. Her eyes darted to phone that she had set on the table next to her. She quickly pocketed it to make room for whoever sat next to her and her thoughts briefly jumped to Kazama. She only had an hour and thirty minutes before her next dinner.
All the guys seemed to stop when they spotted her and she blushed, trying hard not to appear as shocked as they seemed. Each of their eyes seemed to bounce between her and Okita—silent speaking to him in way she didn't even know existed until then. Okita shifted only slightly in his seat, but not in a nervous way but rather in a way that commanded attention.
Shinpachi crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. "Thought you said this was a special dinner," he asked, shooting an accusatory look at Heisuke.
Heisuke raised his hands, "Hey, don't look at me!" He pointed his thumb towards Okita, "He told me to tell you that. I don't know what he's thinking."
Sanosuke snorted, "That's not any different from any other day."
Okita rolled his eyes, "Man, you guys complain a shit ton, don't you?" he draped his arm on the back of Chizuru's chair, his fingers dangerously close to her arm. If he were to stretch them out, he'd be able to easily touch her. The thought set off butterflies in her stomach and gave her goose-bumps. The arm on the chair didn't go unnoticed by the guys. "It is a special dinner."
Okita turned his glance to Chizuru and smirked, "I figured it was high time you met the guys at the Fraternity—my brothers." He gave each of them a look that Chizuru wasn't sure what it meant. "Guys, this is Chizuru."
For a few seconds it was silent, glances being the only thing exchanged between them all. Chizuru still felt her cheeks blush, her mind still wondering why Okita had decided to do this. Finally she spoke up, realizing that she wanted to be liked by them.
"Hello." She tried to push past her sudden shyness as she gave them each her best smile.
The guys finally seemed to react, each taking a seat at the table as they returned her greeting. Okita's fingers drummed on the back of Chizuru's chair. "The lump on the end is Shinpachi, head of security detail, his handsome friend next to him is Sanosuke who handles all my set-ups and side bets, you've already met Heisuke—our pledge, and then the ever talkative Saito who actually trains with me."
Shinpachi's face hardened slightly, his eyes glanced at Chizuru uneasily. "Ix-nay the Usiness-bay." It only took a moment for Chizuru to decode his pig Latin. Nix the business.
Okita rolled his eyes again and sighed loudly, annoyed like. "I don't know why you guys suddenly think I'm fucking stupid or something, but seriously?" he shook his head, "If I didn't trust her, I wouldn't be saying this shit in front of her."
Heisuke nodded emphatically, "Dudes, she's cool." He quirked an eyebrow, "And since when do you know pig Latin, Shinpachi?"
Shinpachi grunted and only shrugged. Chizuru felt slightly uncomfortable then. Her mind jumping to multiple conclusions. It was obvious that not many people knew what went on inside the Fraternity and very few were ever 'in' with the whole lot of them if they weren't a member or could be trusted. She should've felt privileged to be trusted, for Okita to want the others to trust her as well, but it made her feel pressured.
He had mentioned before that they would flip out over their new found friendship—not as bad as Kazama would, but still. She supposed their reaction was better than what it could've been. But maybe that's also why Okita had them eat at a public place. Chizuru really wanted them to like her and she mentally tried to shake off her discomfort. She just had to be herself. They were just guys, nothing too unnerving.
The atmosphere was still a little tense, but Heisuke was quick to diffuse it and the others seemed to feed off it. Or rather, feed off each other. It was the most entertaining thing she had ever witnessed before. She had been curious about the lot of them once they were together and now she knew. No one she'd ever known before were as close knit as they all seemed to be with each other. Heisuke and Shinpachi would often banter back and forth, throwing insults at each other like they hated each other.
Okita called it 'tough love' but Chizuru thought it more as sibling rivalry. Not that she ever had experience with it, her twin was very blaze and strict—he never competed with her about anything. Kaoru argued his side and Chizuru, well, she just usually gave in.
Okita and Sanosuke would each tease the two, and then each other before they started talking about things that happened last year. To which Heisuke, and admittingly her, felt a little left out in their reminiscing. Sanosuke shook his head, smiling a rather dazzling smile she was sure had most of the girls swooning.
"Then this guy chooses to blame me for the lack of interest!" He nudges a pouty faced Shinpachi.
"I had it in the bag until she laid eyes on you!" he retorted before taking a long chug of his soda—the waitress had fumbled around for a bit before she could properly take all their drink orders. Chizuru didn't blame her, she was still in awe to be in company of such good looking guys.
"You were coming on too strong, Shinpachi! I already told you that," Sanosuke ran a hand through his dark red hair.
"Fuck that!" Shinpachi clenched his jaw, fire burning in his eyes that made Chizuru wonder if he was going to punch Sanosuke for something that happened last year.
Okita nodded, "No, I remember that night too." He chuckled softly, warming Chizuru. She liked his laugh. "You were shit faced and practically had the poor girl cornered...it was obvious she was grateful to Sanosuke for stepping in when he did."
Shinpachi waved them both off as the rest of them laughed, "Bah! It was all apart of my plan!" he defended, lips pressing into a thin line. "It would'a worked too..."
Finally the attention and conversation seemed to cycle around to Chizuru. Sanosuke gave her one of his dazzling smiles that had her blush a little. She realized that he didn't do it on purpose, but rather it was his normal smile. He was the kind of guy who didn't really realize how good looking he was or how his smile seemed to affect girls around him.
Unfortunately, she was no exception to the smile. Other than Kazama, they didn't have guys like them back home. "So how goes it as the Student Council's girl, uh?" he asked curiously.
Chizuru felt her mouth dry up and not as an effect from his smile, but rather to the mention of Kazama. She had completely forgotten about him as she sat around listening to them. She glanced at Okita, his green eyes sparkled wickedly as they eyed her closely. He never asked about Kazama or her relationship with him. She wasn't sure if she was grateful or bothered by it...
Subconsciously, Chizuru picked at the hem of her shirt, ducking her head slightly and eyeing the menu intensely. The waitress hadn't come back yet to take their food order. She wasn't sure why when Sanosuke said it, it made her want to deny it. Or why it sounded like he sort of pitied her, or like an accusation more than an actual fact. It never sounded like that when her brother or father would say it. It made her blush and want to avoid talking about Kazama, it seemed wrong to talk about him when she was around Okita—around them. She heard Okita chuckle quickly and she nodded quickly, stiffly and almost unnoticeable.
His fingers popped into her vision before they snatched the menu away from her. Instantly she followed his long fingers, to his hand and then up to his smiling face. The smile wasn't forced, but it wasn't necessarily sincere. It was just a mask, not at all like when they were alone. She fidgeted slightly but kept her gaze on his. They heated a little, but stayed the soft green she was growing accustomed to. She had to admit to herself, she liked when they softened to the soft green color. It reminded her of fresh grass, the kind you laid on during a nice summer day. It made her want to get lost in them. Did he know what he enticed when he looked at her like that?
Her heart was racing again, despite herself. Calm down. She thought angrily. There's nothing to worry about, you're not doing anything wrong!
But why did it feel...right? Why did it feel right to have dinner with him? To hang out with his friends and just laugh and joke? That nagged at her. She hadn't even officially met any of Kazama's college friends yet. He hadn't even bothered to try and make that a possibility. And sure, she always felt comfortable around Kazama—safe. With him, she didn't have to worry about possibly making him angry because she knew what to do to avoid it. But with Okita? Everything was a gamble. Anything could set him off and even though he wasn't dangerous to her, he was dangerous for her. At least he was when the thought of Okita created those kinds of doubting thoughts...
Back to the question at hand, Sanosuke had spoken to her. The curious quirk of Okita's eyebrow reminded her of that and snapped her from her very derailed thoughts. Why did he have that power to distract her? Okita's head bobbed a little, gesturing to Sanosuke.
Quickly she directed her eyes to Sanosuke who also had an amused look on his face. Was it amusement? She wasn't really sure, since she wasn't use to trying to decipher the look in his eyes. She tipped her head, spouting off the first thing that came to mind. "Boring." She finally mumbled, shocking herself with her blunt honesty. It was an unintentional answer, but it made them laugh and she couldn't help the smile.
"Uh—um, sorry." She shook her head, laughing softly. "It's just, it's different than what I thought it would be. But it's not bad, I suppose..." She shrugged, taking the opportunity to take her menu back from Okita. She hoped that would be the last of him.
"At least you're honest about it," Sanosuke smiled.
Chizuru nodded, "I am." She glanced at Okita, "Just like the night of fight," She was lying now and Okita gave her a knowing look since he was the only one who knew otherwise.
Sanosuke's eyes sparkled, "I remember." He exchanged a look with Okita, "I like her." He told him unabashedly, as if she weren't even there to hear that. She blushed and smiled timidly. It was the first time she ever felt...good about being herself. She had just made a friend.
Shinpachi pursed his lips and leaned forward, "Okay...but I'm still not convinced." He mumbled and Heisuke nudged him, glaring. Shinpachi shrugged causally, "I mean, no offense or anything. I'm sure you're nice but...how do we know we can trust you? Especially when your dating that guy?"
Okita glared, "If she has my label of approval and trust, isn't that enough for you?" he asked through clenched teeth. Chizuru noticed his hands ball up into tight fists, she tried hard not to appear ruffled when in reality, she was.
Chizuru shrugged, trying hard not to stare at Okita's hands. "Honestly, you don't." She answered truthfully. Shinpachi furrowed his brows and she continued, "But it's not my business to tell Kazama something he doesn't need to know. It's his job to be after you guys, not mine. And," Chizuru glanced at Okita, "Okita already told me he'd kill me if I so happened to say anything, anyway."
Instantly all eyes were on Okita and he couldn't help but laugh then. His hands unfolding from their death grip, she smiled mostly to herself for distracting him. Heisuke squirmed nervously in his seat, his eyes bouncing between the two.
"Okita you ass, you didn't..."
Okita shook his head, "It's a joke. It was a joke!" he insisted, but couldn't stop the laugh. Chizuru couldn't help but duck her head, smiling like an idiot and pretending to really mull over her choices of dinner even though she already knew what she was going to get.
If she laughed right then, it would ruin what could possibly be a great moment. She noticed through her bangs that Sanosuke shifted in his seat and Heisuke coughed loudly and awkwardly—she wasn't sure who it was suppose to fool, but no one at the table was falling for it.
"If he gets wind of this—"
Sanosuke cut off Shinpachi, "He'd have a fucking aneurysm." He leaned back in his chair.
Okita sighed loudly, but not as effectively as he did earlier. "Seriously, guys. It was a joke." He glanced at Chizuru who was still trying hard to keep a straight face. She hoped that he didn't notice how hard she was trying not to laugh, she knew that seeing this side of them was slightly rare and it was a little exciting for her knowing that she was privileged to see it. "Do you really think she'd be here if she thought it was anything but?"
They each seemed to exchange another set of looks, each one skeptical. Saito, leaned forward, his eyebrows set firmly over his eyes. "It's a tasteless joke." He stated, to which everyone but them promptly agreed to.
Okita slumped in his chair and crossed his arms, much like a toddler who was on the brink of throwing a world class tantrum. That coupled with a look of annoyance and slight betrayal shone in his eyes finally pushed Chizuru past her own limits. She slapped a hand over her mouth but that came around too late, as a loud laugh escaped.
She ducked her head, but couldn't stop the tumbling of laughter that rocked her whole body as she laughed into her palm. When she felt her laughs start to finally subside, Chizuru lifted her head and gave them all a bright smile. Okita grinned, his hand reclaiming it's place on the back of his chair. He gave her a look that seemed full of pride—which she wasn't sure why he gave her that look, but it pleased her. She felt like she did something right.
Sanosuke tipped his head back and let out a long sigh, his lips quirking upwards. "Birds of a feather..." he mumbled.
Shinpachi snorted, "Flock together...yeah, sounds about right." His eyes bounced between the two one last time before he finally opened his menu.
Heisuke gave them a wide grin, "Looks like you're in, Chizuru." He leaned forward, "Which is a lot better than my position."
Shinpachi snapped his attention to him and grinned, "Yeah, if Heisuke did what you just pulled, he'd be groveling about now." Heisuke only glared in response.
Chizuru shifted in her chair, feeling a bundle of energy course through her body. She was happy. So, so ridiculously happy and cheerful in that moment that she wasn't sure what to do with herself. She wanted to jump around like an idiot, or say the first thing on her mind—which at the moment, would be all too embarrassing, considering Okita was on it.
But it was hard for her not to think about him when his arm and hand were so close to her, that she could feel the heat coming off of it. She was very aware that if she were to lean fully back against her chair, his arm would then indefinitely be pressed against her. Not to mention the look he had given her, it was still seared into her brain.
Thankfully, the waitress came by then and took the attention from her. She ordered something light—much to the chagrin of the guys, except Saito, all of which were quick to order a few sides for her 'just in case' her salad wasn't enough. Chizuru wasn't in any rush to tell them she had another dinner, where she would obviously eat more, later.
Conversation around the table drifted into a much calmer topic and Chizuru decided to take the opportunity to excuse herself to the bathroom. She had felt her pocket vibrate a while ago while the waitress was taking orders and she didn't feel it polite to answer it at the table—although she was very tempted to see who it was. She knew that if it was her father or brother, she would have a lot of explaining to do.
She felt Okita's eyes on her the entire way to the bathroom, chancing a quick glance over her shoulder when she reached the bathroom door. He gave her a slight smirk before his eyes drifted away, rather politely, she noticed. Without realizing it, she found herself smiling as she pushed through. Luckily, the bathroom was empty and she proceeded to pull out her cellphone.
Two text messages were left on her phone—one from Sen and the other from Kazama. She opened the one from Sen first since she didn't want to deal with Kazama just yet.
Chizuru, my love!
You better have a darn good excuse why you're not in our dorm tonight, lady! I know I do! ;) We'll have to discuss over coffee soon! Just wanted to let you know not to wait up for me. Hope your night is swell!
XOXO
Chizuru smiled, glad to know that Sen's date was going well, but a little wary about wanting to know of her night. She knew she wouldn't tell her the whole night she was putting herself through. She quickly sent a reply to Sen before opening Kazama's.
Chizuru,
I've selected a restaurant downtown I've been wanting to talk you to. You'll love it, reminds me of home. I'll pick you up around 8:30, our reservations are at 9.
A cold feeling sunk in the pit of her stomach as she double checked the message and then the clock on her phone. It was going on 7:30...and they had just taken their orders. Her mind worked fast as it went through her possibilities of leaving before that to get to her dorm on time before Kazama showed up. Was it possible?
She sighed deeply and frowned at her reflection. What was she going to do? It's obvious! She thought rationally. Tell the guys you have other plans—priorities. Chizuru watched as her frown deepened and her eyes echoed how much she disliked that thought. It shouldn't have be such a tough decision, she knew. But it was.
But Okita... She lowered her head, tempted to turn on the faucet and splash cold water on her face. But the little bit of make up would not appreciate that. She didn't want to upset him. And when would she get a chance to get to know the guys? He went through so much trouble and she made a deal. Could she really bum free coffee from him every morning?
Chizuru wasn't sure how long she stood there, hands gripping the side of the sink and her head ducked, with her eyes squeeze d shut in concentration before her phone buzzed on the counter.
Quickly she snatched the phone, hoping with all her might that it was Kazama telling her he had to cancel—last minute like all the times before. But it wasn't from him, it was from Okita. She opened the text.
Chizuru—
I sincerely hope u did not fall in & u r instead doin' girly shit that all girls do when they go into bathrooms 2gether. (which is weird, btw.)
But, hurry. I can only take these assholes so much.
: )
Chizuru didn't even realize she was smiling until she caught it in her reflection. Her eyes were bright and the earlier worry was completely gone. Why was she having such a difficult time making a decision when it was obvious on what she should do? Before she could lose her nerve, she opened a text and came up with a quick, but stable excuse.
When it was sent, she stuffed her phone back into her pocket without a second look, took in a deep breath to calm herself only to realize she didn't need. She knew she should've found it strange that she wasn't nervous about what he would say or if he'd get angry, but she'd have her chance to explain later.
Kazama would just have to understand that she did have things to do and that sometimes, she could cancel on him too.
Okita didn't even realize he was nervous for the dinner until he was seated there and his so-called friends were giving Chizuru a lot harder of a time than he thought they would. Hijikata was not exaggerating when he mentioned they weren't too keen on his new friendship. He also knew that they were all wondering what his real motives were.
But, like he also figured, he knew they would instantly warm up to Chizuru like he had. Although, his reaction to her was much more first sight kind of thing, he had no doubt. She just had that kind of zing to her that effected everyone around her. Even douche boyfriends like Kazama. He wondered what the scum had been spewing to Chizuru earlier...but it wasn't his business. He didn't like to be reminded of his existence and one would think that being friends with Chizuru would defeat that purpose, but it didn't.
In fact, every time he was around her he didn't once think of him—or much about anyone else, really. His eyes swung back to the bathroom door, hoping for it to open up and reveal Chizuru to him. she wasn't even gone for five minutes and he was already feeling antsy. Yes, he was very aware of his behavior and his hand on the back of her chair.
He had to admit, that it was a last minute ditch when the sober, un-distracted part of his mind reminded him rather harshly that she wasn't available to make a move on. Thus, his hand landed on the back of her chair rather than her shoulder. It was tough, but he made it work. It was easy to do when Chizuru had him amused and made him laugh. But at the same time, it was even harder to keep his hands to himself.
Would it really be so bad if he touched her? Like, say, on the hand? Or maybe her shoulder like he almost did? The back of his mind was screaming at him as he indulged those thoughts. Okita didn't want to give Chizuru the wrong idea about him and he was honest when he had mentioned that he didn't flirt with girls who had boyfriends—at least girls he actually cared about, which would make her the first.
And did he care about her? Part of him knew the answer, but the other part still wanted to remain persistent with it's denial. It was easier.
His eyes pulled away from the bathroom door and he glanced around the table, the guys were staring at him questioningly. Okita quirked an eyebrow, making a grab for his soda.
"What?" he asked before taking a sip.
They each exchanged a look, sans Heisuke who was playing a game on his phone, before Sanosuke finally sighed. "I guess I'll be the one to say it then," he mumbled, shaking his head.
"What are you doing?" Saito asked, smoothly interrupting Sanosuke.
Okita glanced down at his drink before slowly lifting it up. "Drinking my soda and having dinner with friends," he answered with a wide smirk.
"Seriously," Sanosuke gave him a hard glare. "If you're just fucking around with her because of who she's dating—"
Instantly he slammed his fist down on the table, rattling the silverware and plates around them. His eyes narrowed at him and he lowered his voice. "Glad to know what you think of me." He glanced at the others, "All of you."
Heisuke shook his head, "He didn't mean to offend you. We didn't." He sighed, crossing his arms. "But come on! You don't do friendships with girls, you never have. And we all know how much you hate Kazama..."
"I wouldn't use her," he answered harshly. "Chizuru is my friend. You either get on board, or shut the fuck up and look the other way. She's not going anywhere unless I say so."
The guys stayed silent and Sanosuke spoke up, "It's not against her, you know." He mumbled, "It's you."
Okita nodded once, knowing exactly what he meant. Yeah, he was good deep down, but sometimes, it was the outside that most only got to know about. "I know that." His eyes swung back to the door, "But when it's been really important, have I ever let you guys down? Strayed you wrong?"
Again, the guys kept quiet. He knew that he was right, they did too because he never had. They were his only family he had—other than his sisters who were halfway across the country—and they were the ones that had each other's back like none other. He would never do anything to jeopardize their future just to fuck with someone he hated.
He wished he could vocalize what he was doing, what his friendship with Chizuru meant. But he wasn't really sure of it either. Okita couldn't blame them for getting all bend out of shape about it. Okita was the most unreasonable of the bunch and he knew he wouldn't be so cozy with something like that if one of the guys were doing what he was.
"Hijikata mentioned you guys had worries," He shrugged and sat back in his chair, his fingers twitching slightly—aching to set back on the back of Chizuru's chair. It felt weird to do so when she wasn't there, though. "So I figured if you met her, you'd shut up."
Okita spread his hands open, gesturing to the empty plates and drinks around them. "And thus came about this." He leaned forward again, "And it's on me."
Shinpachi's features immediately brightened, "If this dinner is on you, then I think I can get aboard on this whole friendship with that chick ordeal, no problem."
Heisuke rolled his eyes, "Her name is Chizuru, you cheapskate dip." Shinpachi glared at him and was quick to make a swipe at him, to which, Heisuke ducked away from it.
"Watch it, Heisuke. You're still a pledge," he grumbled, quirking an eyebrow.
"Children, children...please." Sanosuke smirked, "Chizuru will come back and you two need to be on your best behavior."
Okita gave a solid nod, "He's got a point. She's polite, so she won't call you out on your shit. So knock it off!" Instantly his eyes swung to the bathroom door and he finally saw it open, revealing Chizuru. Her hair swung in her face and she quickly pushed it away. Next she paused, pulled at the hem of her shirt before pressing her palms on her jeans—which he thought looked fabulously on her curves.
In fact, her whole outfit had him catching his breath. Sure he'd seen her in casual wear, all the time, every morning but something about this made it seem more...personal. Almost like...the dinner was just for them two and not all of them. The pink of her shirt went well with the tone of her soft skin and made her face even brighter when she blushed.
Chizuru lifted her gaze and they instantly landed on his. Her lips curved up slightly and a very small blush stained her cheeks before she dropped her gaze and headed towards them. Okita smirked to himself and gave the group one final warning glare just as Chizuru reached the table.
"Welcome back," he greeted, amused to see her blush again.
"Did I miss much?" she asked, tipping her head to the side and revealing the smooth creamy pale skin of her neck. It was a neck that begged to be nibbled at and he could easily picture placing love bites on it. He pulled himself back, snapping him from his momentary lapse of thought.
"Just a few antics between Dumb and Dumber," He gestured to Heisuke and Shinpachi, "But other than that, no."
Shinpachi waved Okita off, "Bah," he leaned forward, eyes trained solely on Chizuru. It almost made Okita hit him, but he resisted the urge. "Okita just let us know that this dinner is on him. Completely on him. So that means don't hold back."
Okita sighed, "Don't go giving her ideas, Shinpachi." He glanced at Chizuru and gave her a look, "This is—or rather, he is—the reason I don't take the guys out too often. He gets ridiculous when the bill is on anyone else. Just a warning."
Chizuru gave a dutiful nod, a smile poking through her features. Shinpachi snorted, "And if you knew the reason I'm taking advantage is because Okita is penny pinching grinch, you'd take my side and follow my example."
Okita quirked an eyebrow, amused. "If I offered to pay for all your meals, Shinpachi. I wouldn't make it through the week with what I've earned." He narrowed his eyes, "That's why you're always broke."
Heisuke laughed, nudging Shinpachi knowingly. "Isn't that the truth."
Sanosuke smiled, "Come on now, guys..." He reached over and patted Shinpachi's shoulders. "He's a growing boy, he needs his 6 square meals a day."
Shinpachi's face pinched comically and Okita heard Chizuru try to stifle a laugh. Shinpachi immediately opened his mouth to retort, but the waitress arrived right then with all their orders. She set down her large platter that held 6 different, good smelling foods. All the fight instantly vanished from Shinpachi's eyes and was replaced with an overjoyed expression.
The waitress, bumbling just a few times, managed not to spill anything as she set down everyone's plate and finally tried to smile through her embarrassed routine. "Can I get you anything else?" she asked, eyes lingering just a fraction longer on Sanosuke on the other end.
He smiled, shaking his head. "No, thanks, darling. We're good."
Okita rolled his eyes and Shinpachi grunted under his breath, but was quickly quieted as he dug in. The waitress seemed to dawdle before she walked away, stars in her eyes Okita was sure. He often wondered if Sanosuke did what he did on purpose...
He didn't think of it much, his own food drawing his thoughts and attention. When was the last time he ate? If he was honest, the donuts he had earlier was the only thing he actually consumed—other than his daily coffee, since he was anxious about dinner. He hadn't realized how hungry he really was until the food was sitting in front of him.
Okita cast a look over at Chizuru who was happily, and quite impressively, chowing down on her supposed 'light' dinner. She didn't eat her salad with the reverence one normally saw in a girl around guys, no, she stabbed at the lettuce with feeling and her other hand automatically reached one of the sides the guys ordered for her.
He automatically smiled, glad to see that she wasn't holding herself back. He wasn't sure why she had ordered a salad and he knew the guys weren't going to let her get away with that. Okita watched as she gently lowered her fork, pushed the half eaten salad away and pulled the basket of fries over.
She smiled brightly as she squirted ketchup all over them and he got the vibe that she was finally relaxed. Okita pursed his lips slightly, taking a bite out of his double bacon burger. He noticed earlier that she was tense, but he figured it was mostly because of the guys. He glanced over at her again and she met his glance.
Chizuru blinked, finished off the fry she held and wiped her mouth daintily with her napkin. "What...?" she asked quietly, her eyes darting away briefly.
"You going to hog all the ketchup?" he asked, smirking and playing off getting caught staring.
She shook her head and pushed the ketchup bottle over before she returned her attention to the food. Okita stared a little longer before he took the ketchup and poured it over his fries and added it to his burger.
Okita wasn't sure why he found her fascinating at that very moment, but he did. He liked seeing her laugh in between bites of food, the way she covered her mouth with her hand or napkin, the way she easily ate off of all the extra sides, and the way she easily made conversation with the guys. It was like she had known them for a long time and she wasn't at all out of place.
Before he even realized it, dinner had been eaten, cleared out by the waitress and the check sat untouched closest to him as the group chatted—laughing louder and louder with each passing story. His eyes zeroed in on Chizuru, her eyes bright and cheeks flushed as if she were drinking something stronger than soda.
Instantly his mind wandered about the different kinds of flushes her face could pull. The more he let himself indulge, the dirtier they got and he shifted in his seat. Chizuru seemed to catch the movement and she shifted, her smile softening as she turned her attention to him.
"This was really fun," she sighed, leaning back in her chair.
Okita smirked, "We're a pretty fun group of guys,"
Shinpachi nodded from across the table, "And this is us sober, imagine what a touch of alcohol can do."
Chizuru's smile widened, "That sounds...dangerous, actually."
Okita chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, it's worse." His fingers twitched to reach out towards Chizuru's hand, an overwhelming desire surged through him, wanting nothing more than to hold her hand. To touch her. Instead, he finally reached for the check—only slightly afraid to see the amount.
Chizuru quickly reached into her pocket and fished out a few dollars, to which Okita caught out of the corner of his eye. His eyebrows slammed over his eyes and he reached out swatted her hands. Her eyes widened rather comically and she opened her mouth to immediately protest—but the others came to his rescue.
"Chizuru, if you dare reach for your wallet or purse or whatever you may be holding your money," Sanosuke's eyes shifted slightly over her, making Okita annoyed. "Then we will all find a way to give you back to you."
She frowned and slowly pulled her hand away from Okita, who rather liked the reason she gave him to touch her. Heisuke shifted in his seat, turning his attention towards her he leaned in. "We may not look it, but we are a table full of gentlemen—and we won't allow you to pay for a damn thing. Get use to it."
Shinpachi pointed at Heisuke and nodded, "True that." He gave her a wide grin, "So get use to it. Especially if Okita's got the check."
Okita raised his eyebrows, but cracked a smile regardless. "We're polite douches, can't help it. It's the way we were raised."
Chizuru finally let her shoulders sag with defeat, her eyes bouncing to each face. Even Saito was giving her a slightly stern look. Finally, she nodded and leaned back in her seat, her hands folded neatly in front of her and in full view of the others. They each gave her a huge smile as a reward, which only further enhanced hers.
By the time the waitress swung back to pick up the check and drop off the change—to which Okita waved her away again, telling her to keep the change, the guys were all preparing to leave. Chizuru sat up in her chair, looking unsure as to if she should wait or follow their lead.
Okita gave her a sly smirk and nodded in a way that she understood completely. She stilled her fidgeting and waited patiently, just as Okita leaned towards her and whispered, "I'll walk you back." Her face flushed lightly and she nodded simply, her eyes not wavering from the guys.
"Later, Chizuru." Heisuke waved, flashing her his signature wide and carefree smile.
Sanosuke tipped his head, "We'll be seeing you."
Shinpachi leaned over his friends shoulder, "Come by the house, you're an honorary member now." He winked, "Maybe you can bring some cookies or something!"
Saito swiftly jabbed Shinpachi in the stomach with his elbow, "Have a pleasant night." He mumbled, his face softening into the closest thing to a smile.
Chizuru waved and beamed at them, "Good night guys,"
Okita watched as Chizuru's wide smile shrank to a small and peaceful smile that he liked much more. Slowly she turned her attention to Okita and blushed lightly when she caught him staring, not that he made an attempt to look away. "You ready?" he asked, tilting his head and letting his fingers finally touch her arm in the littlest way.
Chizuru jumped only slightly from the brief touch, but didn't try to move away. She only nodded and he gave a nod back, standing up as she grabbed the few things she came with. He watched as she powered her cellphone on, her eyes widening as she caught glance of the time. Her eyes raised up to his in question.
"It's not really that late, is it?" she asked, blinking rapidly. The look was cute and Okita had to turn his attention away to keep from continually staring at her...or kissing her. It was getting to be more problematic.
Okita spotted a clock hung on the wall and gestured to it, a smirk pulling at his lips. "Check for yourself,"
Chizuru spun towards the clock, stared at her phone again before looking back at the clock once more. Her eyebrows furrowed and she sighed, her expression bordered depressed and it wiped all the humor from Okita's. Did she have somewhere else to be...? He couldn't help but hope that if she did, she had unintentionally missed it due to having a good time with them.
The mere thought that she might have had other plans bothered him. It settled, like lead, on his shoulders and made him want to punch something—someone? His fingers twitched slightly with the thought and he stuffed them into his front pockets. "You got somewhere to be?" he asked, trying to keep his voice level.
She turned to look at him and shook her head, his shoulders automatically relaxed. "No, I just..." she ducked her head, "Last time I was unaware of how time escaped me and that led to the whole—" Chizuru pressed her hands together and Okita knew instantly she was thinking about getting mugged. The look in her eyes were starting venture back to that night and he struggled to keep his anger in check. He hadn't nearly hurt the stranger enough and he wished he had hit him harder, or something. Okita reached over and tugged on the end of her ponytail.
Instantly, her eyes focused and looked up at him. "Don't worry," he told her, leaning down towards her. "I'll be your eyes. I've got your back and I won't let something like that happen to you ever again. Scouts honor."
Chizuru smiled, her body relaxing. "Thanks." She mumbled, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You weren't a boy scout, were you?"
Okita shrugged, "For about a day, but that still counts, right?" he asked, leading her out of the restaurant. They would soon be closing, probably as soon as they walked out the door. Chizuru laughed lightly, the sound twinkling and light to his ears. He liked making her laugh—liked knowing that she laughed for him. He felt envious during dinner that he wasn't the only one making her do so.
Calm yourself. He thought rationally, but he knew that it was already to late to talk sense into him.
The night was pretty chill, hinting to what the winter would bring about but not quite that cold that Okita felt he could offer Chizuru his light jacket...or appropriate to pull her into a hug. Chizuru hunkered down in her own thin jacket, cheeks slightly flushed. It gave him a thought about her in the winter wind. Snowflakes in her hair, scarf covering up to her nose and cheeks a pretty red that looked like she was embarrassed.
A smile touched his lips at the thought and his hand started to reach for her, but he caught himself. He shoved his hand in his pocket and dug his nails into his palms, roughly. It worked to keep his thoughts on track. Chizuru sighed softly and kept her eyes glued to the sidewalk in front of her. The walk back was mostly quiet, surprisingly, but Okita didn't push it.
He liked just watching her and the silence helped him keep an ear open around them. He had meant what he said to her, he wasn't going to let anything like that happen to her ever again. So long as he could, he would. The thought dragged him to Kazama and he ground his teeth together to keep from cursing out loud. But it was his job to keep an eye on his girlfriend—did the douche even really care? Okita idly wondered if Kazama knew at all. The thought that only Okita knew both pleased and angered him. He didn't want that experience to be what connected them.
Chizuru lifted her head and glanced at him, her eyebrows furrowed. "Can I ask you something?" she mumbled, almost too quietly and quickly. Okita smirked, his mind going back to the other night when they talked and became friends and she asked him if how he knew he could trust her. Her eyes widened slightly as she realized what she said and she pressed her lips together.
He gave her a nod, "Always can." Okita nudged her gently, "What's up?"
She turned her head away for a moment, looking like she was trying to figure out how to say what she was thinking. He wanted to know what went through her head, he was curious how her mind worked—even though he was getting the hang of it through their texts and daily interactions.
"I...I cancelled on Kazama today." She finally told him, pulling her eyes up to his. Okita tried hard not to show disgust towards the name that he was growing to hate more and more and try not to smile that she did that. For him, no doubt. "I just...is it normal to not feel guilty about it?" she asked, her eyes reflecting her growing worry and slight confusion.
Okita pressed his lips together to keep from saying the first thing on his mind, which at the current point was Fuck yes.That was his biased opinion, considering he liked that she was slowly withdrawing herself from him. The thought of her finally breaking free from the douche shook him in both pleasant and unpleasant ways. Was that what he wanted?
Surely, she deserved better than Kazama...but better than himself as well.
Chizuru sighed softly, "I mean, I can talk to Sen about this...I suppose. It's just..." she shrugged, "I feel like she wouldn't be honest about this, you know? She'll tell me what she thinks I want to hear, but I just want to know. Kazama has been promising and cancelling his plans with me all week and nothing has been what I had first imagined it to be. I—" Chizuru shook her head and forced a tight lipped smile. "Sorry, you really don't want to hear about this and I already asked you my question..."
Okita stopped and tugged on her arm, making her pause. "Chizuru, will you shut up for a minute?" he asked lightly, smirking down at her. She snapped her mouth shut and she nodded, her features softening softly with unspoken relief.
She wanted honesty? He'd give it to her, at least, as honest as he could get. "You want to know if it's okay you didn't feel guilty for ditching your precious Student Council president boyfriend? Yes, I abso-fucking-tively think it's okay. If he can't make time for you, why should you be the one to wait on the sidelines until he has the time? You had other plans, and think, what if he had cancelled again and you left early?" Chizuru's expression pinched slightly and he resisted the urge to smile.
"In my honest opinion, you did the right thing. Give him a taste of his own medicine, show him you aren't willing to wait on the sidelines. This is a different world than high school—I should know, but if it's meant to be...this whole cancelling, guilty, and whatnot will work itself out. If not for the better." Okita shrugged casually and started to walk again. "Simple as that. You shouldn't over think it, sounds like you have a pretty great gut instinct. Listen to it more often." He winked.
The worry evaporated from her eyes and they turned warm and bright in the dark setting. Okita was reminded of the stars and how her eyes sparkled like them. She nudged him with her own elbow as she smiled up at him, grateful and pleased.
"Thank you." She told him, her voice just as warm as her eyes.
Okita shrugged again, trying to appear unaffected by her warmth. "Anytime." He tipped his head back, "Just please stop bombarding me with all your girly problems, Chizuru! Geezus fuck, you're starting to offend me!"
Chizuru laughed, her hand instantly covering her mouth as she tried to stifle it but failed. Her shoulders shook and the corners of her eyes crinkled slightly. "Sorry, I'll keep that in mind!" The rest of the walk was peaceful, with Chizuru talking to him about her classes and a few random things. Okita realized then that he liked listening to her talk—especially when she started to talk about something she really liked, like their English class. Her voice would take on a lighter tone and she would start to use her hands, it was cute.
They reached her dorm building much too fast and he wished it wasn't a weekday, or he'd have invited her over to the house. To do what, he had no idea, but he was sure she wouldn't mind spending more time with the guys. Fuck, if girls could been in Fraternity's, she'd definitely be a shoe in for theirs. Okita idly wondered if there was some loophole to get her to pledge...
"Thanks for walking me home," She looked up at him and smiled, her cheeks still slightly flushed from the walk. He imagined pushing her against the door and just kissing her, something to make her cheeks flush a deeper red that he was growing to enjoy seeing. When she blushed, it seemed to compliment her whole face. "And for being honest with me. It was a test and you passed."
Okita chuckled, his hands finding their way into his jean pockets again. Don't stare at her lips again, douche. Keep yourself in check. He thought over and over. He'd never had to pretend he wasn't attracted to someone before and fuck if it wasn't challenging. "That's what friends do," His eyes pulled away from hers and he looked up at the building, "And you may not know it, but I too, am a whiz at tests." That earned him a wide smile from Chizuru and he felt lighter than air.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then..." She scanned her ID to enter and opened the door. "Remember what you promised, sir." Chizuru glanced back at him, trying hard to level him with what she probably thought was a stern look. A ladybug looked more menacing than she did.
Okita felt the edge of his lips start to tip up, "I remember." He lifted his hands in the air. "Just remember what the loophole in that promise." Chizuru sighed and rolled her eyes, but the smile still touched her lips. With that, she waved and started to turn away. Okita hated the sight of watching her walk away. Was it selfish of him to just want to squeeze more time with her?
Before he realized it, he grabbed the door before it closed and leaned in. "Oi, Chizuru!" he called, startling both himself and her. Chizuru spun towards him quickly, her eyebrows furrowed and eyes wide.
"Yeah...?" she asked, her eyes searching his as she tried to figure what was wrong.
He gave her a smile and she instantly relaxed. "Sorry, I forgot to mention that this weekend is the First mixer blah-blah of the year. Fraternity Sorority thing..." Okita shrugged, honestly he didn't give a shit. "I like to think of it as a celebration of the first win of the Underground Season. You should come. Bring your friend."
Chizuru stared at him for a moment and in that short moment, Okita actually feared that she might say no. He didn't like that. Finally she gave a short and firm nod, "I'll think about it..." she finally told him. He knew he couldn't rush her into something like that—he guessed she didn't have much experience with parties. He still had a day to convince her and he knew he could.
Okita nodded back, giving her his reserved mischievous grin. "You do that." He leaned back, "Later."
With that, he pulled back and let the door close. He watched as Chizuru smiled softly, more so to herself, and then turned away towards the stairs. As soon as she was gone, he started to walk away. Already he felt the absence of her presence and he mumbled a curse under his breath. The silence, something he use to enjoy when about by himself, was not as comforting as it once was.
Shit.
"How is everything?"
Chizuru gave a small smile but more so apologetic look to the barista who took her order. She handed him a twenty and gestured to him to keep the change—it was the least she could do. But when her phone started to ring and she realized it was her father, well...she couldn't afford to miss it. The barista only shot her a tight lipped smile, but couldn't argue the generous tip.
She switched the phone to her other shoulder, wedged it between her shoulder and cheek while taking the two cups of coffee. "Thank you," she whispered to the barista, offering another apologetic look which she only waved off. "Everything? It's great, dad. Great." Chizuru winced at the hot cups and quickly set them down in order to slip coffee sleeves over them.
"You sound rushed," her father noted, a little huffy. "Have I inconvenienced you?"
Chizuru resisted the urge to sigh and tell him yes, but that was not how one spoke to their father—at least not hers. "No, no! I'm just," She pressed her lips together, trying to think up of a lie. "I'm just out of shape, I was walking down the stairs—I'm out of breath is all." Not a complete lie, considering trying to multitask was daunting.
"You should really make that a weekly regiment, Chizuru." He admonished, and she could picture him giving her a stern look. The crinkle in his forehead, his hands steepled in front of him. "Exercise is important. But regardless, I called to check up with your classes and school. It's nearly been a month, are you adapting to the change?" he asked. In other words, had she changed her mind yet?
"I have, dad. Everything's good so far, but it just started really. I love my classes." She readjusted the drinks in her hand as she maneuvered out the door, wishing then that she had asked for a cup carrier. "How's work? And Kaoru?"
Chizuru already knew the answer, but she asked anyway because she knew he'd answer. Anything to drag the attention away from her. Her father cleared his throat and she automatically furrowed her brow, her father was rarely ever sick...her brother had mentioned before that he was taking more time off than normal.
"You okay...?" she asked, eyebrows furrowing. It was hard to do when she was concentrating on balancing the drinks and phone. Her head was cocked to the side and other students were staring at her curiously, she tried hard to pay attention to her conversation with her dad. "Kaoru mentioned that you—"
"I'm fine." He snipped, cutting her off. "Nothing I can't handle and something that the others are over exaggerating about. You cough once and they decide you shouldn't be around other patients." He huffed into the phone. "Kaoru has been doing well, from what his teachers have said, he's already showing very promising work. I couldn't be more proud."
"That's...great dad." Chizuru didn't have the energy to roll her eyes. When she reached the door to the building where her English class took place, she wanted to scream. She couldn't open the door easily and she was sure she looked hysterical trying to open the door, with two coffee cups and her head pressed to her shoulder—her reflection looked pretty comical.
"Uhh—" Chizuru managed to open the door a little and wedged her foot in the crack, kicking it open. After that, the trip to her classroom was uneventful. "I almost have to get to class though..."
"Ah, yes, that's right." Her father hummed on the other line, "I'll keep in touch. Kazama mentioned something about having free time soon, as did Kaoru so I'm thinking about a family dinner soon. Ok?"
Chizuru wanted to say no, but that also wasn't something you ever said to her father. "Alright. Let me know. Love you."
"Yes, me too."
Entering the classroom, she spotted Okita but still couldn't comfortably walk up the stairs, having no way to pocket her phone without it falling to the ground and possibly, damaging the touch screen. Before she could even blink or call out to him, he was in front of her taking both coffee cups. Chizuru shot him a grateful smile.
"Thanks." She grabbed her phone, put the sound on mute and pocketed it. After, she stretched and rubbed her neck, having held it rigidly to her shoulder really put a number on it. Okita quirked an eyebrow curiously, "That was my dad. He sometimes calls...at the worst possible times." She gestured to the coffee cups and shook her head. "Case and point."
Okita smirked, "You do realize you could've gotten a cup holder right...?" he gave her a skeptical glance and she automatically ducked her head with embarrassment.
"Yeah, I kind of...thought of that after the fact." She sighed, shaking her head. "Talking to dad does that to me."
Okita handed her a donut and her coffee, to which she took eagerly as she trudged to her seat—feeling suddenly very wary and tired, despite a decent amount of sleep. If she were honest, her night mostly consisted of tossing and turning mostly because her mind was still on the dinner she had with Okita and his Frat. They were nothing like she would have originally thought and she felt ashamed she even judged them before she knew them.
Not only that, but her cellphone had multiple texts of Kazama asking about her choice to cancel on him—even going as far as to get 'Very Upset' with her for doing so last minute, since he could've then picked up on some Student Council business he pushed off on someone else or something. She tired hard not to get angry over the text, but she couldn't help it. How was it possible he didn't see this problem when he canceled on her all the time?
Chizuru had, very wisely, only responded a 'Sorry. We'll talk later. Good night.' Back to his very collected text responses, she was almost surprised that he didn't just show up at her dorm, but he only called her once and his voice mail was a simple 'Call me back.' And even after all that, she still didn't feel an ounce of guilt.
In fact, the only guilt she was harboring at all was how she had had the intention of leaving the dinner Okita had carefully set up for them. She wanted to tell him, but she was afraid of what he would say or how he would react. She just got him to be friends with her and their texts and daily conversations weren't something she wanted to jeopardize. How messed up was that?
She sighed, welcoming the usually uncomfortable wooden seat beneath her. Okita took a long sip of his coffee and grimaced slightly, he pulled it away and popped the top. Chizuru was just about to sip hers when he gently pulled it away from her. Chizuru blinked up at him as he switched the drinks, giving her a small smirk.
"I've got your much too sweet latte," he took a huge drink of his own and nodded in awe. "That's better. Seriously, how can you drink something so freaking sweet? It's like pure sugar."
Chizuru smiled, "I'm sorry," she shook her head.
"Your conversation with your dad that bad?" he asked, shifting in his seat to face her. Chizuru poked at the sleeve on her cup, her fingers tracing up and down the ridges on it. She shrugged halfheartedly and then moved her fingers to her donut, not caring that her fingers were getting sticky as she started to pick it apart.
"He just..." She pressed her lips together as she tried hard to find the correct words. It wasn't like she hated him, or anything like that but...he did more often than not, upset her with his careless manner of speaking. That, and how she never seemed to do the right thing for him. He intimidated her. "He stresses me out."
Okita quirked an eyebrow in a curious way, "And he hovers." He seemed to state it more than ask, his eyes scanning her for some sort of sign that he was right. She gave a firm nod, popping a piece of donut in her mouth and forcing it down.
"He hovers. He disapproves." She shrugged, frowning. There was a lot of things she wanted to say, but how did she say it without sounding horrible? Her father was paying for her school—despite him not approving of her major. He keeps in touch with her, despite his demanding schedule. Overall, he was a good father even though he was hardheaded and didn't really ask for her or her brother's opinion.
She opened her mouth to take what she said back, but her phone vibrated and she pulled it out, hoping it wasn't her father. But it was just another text from Kazama. Her stress increased and she didn't bother to read it, instead she just stuffed the phone back into her pocket. Kazama knew she had class and, at the moment, she just didn't want to deal with him.
Chizuru dropped her head into her hands, knowing that she was probably over thinking the whole thing...again. But how was it that he didn't get it? She pressed her lips together, wondering if she wasn't friends with Okita if she'd even be thinking like that. It just didn't feel like she'd lose much behaving this way with him, but she knew that she'd have to talk to him soon. That's what couples did. But she already decided that he needed to simmer on the whole thing.
Okita was right. She was doing the right thing. Chizuru just needed to stay strong and keep reminding herself of that. Slowly she lifted her head and instantly glanced over at Okita, his gaze deep and piercing—and suddenly it all felt right. The rational part of her mind tried to reason with that, but she wasn't listening.
"Alright, class!" The Professor started from the front of the class and Chizuru magically found the strength to pull her eyes away from his, but not before he smiled at her knowingly. She felt the start of her blush, beyond embarrassed for staring at him like an idiot, and was quick to pull her notebook and textbook out.
Not even five minutes later, she noticed Okita slowly lean over towards her out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head slightly, shifting her glance between her and the Professor as discreetly as she could—a little thing she learned to master throughout the last week. Okita liked to put his two-cents in every once in a while and putting him in line of her vision was usually better for her and her hair—or any other part of her that Okita could tug on, and it seemed to please him to have her attention.
Though she was assuming he was pleased, judging by the crinkle by his eyes and the way they lit up just a fraction. She tried hard not to frown at herself. How hard was she watching and studying him that she knew that?
"So, on a different, probably lighter note..." Okita leaned over even further, if possible, without out-rightly looking like he wasn't paying attention and lowered his voice. The tone was so low that it was as if she could feel them skate over her skin in an insanely intimate way. "Have you decided about the party, yet?"
Chizuru pursed her lips, trying hard to look like she was paying attention to the Professor. Honestly, she wished she didn't have to answer him but knew what would happen if she ignored him. He had no qualms doing it when they didn't know each other and he certainly didn't now. Really, she had thought about it for a while and even entertained the idea—but in the end, she came to the same thought. No.
She didn't even mention it to Sen, she knew once she did the decision would be made for her. But, did she really want to see girls throw themselves at Okita...or any of the guys from his frat? Was that really her crowd? Sorority girls sort of annoyed her—at least the ones in her class did, add alcohol to the mix? She was one hundred percent positive that their annoying qualities would only increase.
Chizuru wasn't even sure how to act at a so called Mixer, whatever that was. She knew it was obviously a party, but...she had no idea what really went on at a college party. Sure she'd heard things, but she wasn't so sure she believed them. She wasn't sure she wanted to see if they were true or not. Besides that, she never drank before. Ever.
Her father was very strict and her brother was worse. Kazama didn't ever go to any of them, so it wasn't like he could take her or vice versa. Chizuru didn't want to make a fool of herself in front of her new friends—or Okita with her inexperience.
"Uh—well—"
Okita shook his head, his eyebrows doing that thing where they hunkered down over his emerald eyes in a no-nonsense sort of way. Completely different from Kazama, in a better way, but just as effective. "Chizuru, don't you dare lie to me." His seemed to spark slightly, as if challenging her to do so, like he wouldn't get mad if she did, or something. She wasn't really sure what to make of it.
She sighed and shook her head, "I haven't...yet." She spared a glance at the Professor who was currently speaking to the class with his back turned, as he wrote notes on the whiteboard. Mindlessly, she started to scribble away in her notebook.
"Well, it's tomorrow." He rested his chin on his hand, his head tipped slightly to the right as he looked at her—watched her, write her notes down. Chizuru noticed that he only occasionally wrote things down, usually on paper he borrowed from her. "But you should go. Like, indefinitely."
Chizuru's shoulders sagged slightly and she glanced at him, "Are you sure you really want me at your party...?" she asked, furrowing her brow. She hated feeling insecure, but really, he wouldn't miss her if she didn't go. "I have...I mean. I haven't gone to many parties..." She shifted in her seat and continued copying notes.
Okita leaned over and plucked her pen from her hand, "You're a terrible liar, Chizuru. Has anyone ever told you that?" Chizuru watched as he waved her pen in front of her face and she couldn't stop the burning blush that formed. No one had ever said that, but then again, she didn't making lying a habit.
She pressed her lips together, feeling her eyebrows crease as she thought about the pros and cons again. It was a hard feat to do with Okita watching her intently as he waited. "Alright." She finally conceded, resisting the urge to groan in defeat...or worse, throw up from the anxious and nervous energy bouncing around her.
Okita only responded with a wide and bright smile, ones she rarely saw but ones he mostly did around her. She liked to think they were specifically for her. Reluctantly, the rest of the class went uneventful, Okita didn't even try to distract her, a small pleased smile plastered to his face that had butterflies fluttering about in her stomach. When the bell finally rang to dismiss them, he popped to his feet and helped Chizuru gather her things.
She laughed, "You seem pretty energetic..." she handed her trash to Okita and he shrugged in response.
"It's just starting to look like a great start to the weekend is all...might be the sugar and coffee too, though." He tossed away the trash and turned towards her, "Aren't you?"
Chizuru couldn't help the smile, though she wanted to act nonchalant about it. Her first thought was to jump up and down and shout, but she didn't think that was appropriate either. She opened her mouth to answer him, but his features instantly morphed into a dark look. His smile vanished as his lips pressed into a thin tight line, his jaw twitched slightly like he was grinding his teeth together, and his eyes were no longer their playful light green but a deep dark and sharp emerald. The look gave her shivers, but she realized he wasn't looking at her anymore.
She followed his gaze, over her shoulder and towards the entrance of the classroom. Chizuru tensed when her eyes landed on her boyfriend—Kazama, waiting for her. His deep wine colored eyes zeroed in on her and then narrowed when they shifted to Okita, standing right behind her. She felt a cold sensation in the pit of her stomach and skate over her skin, she wasn't so sure she was ready to admit her friendship just yet...nor talk to Kazama in general.
"Well, fuck. Spoke too soon." She heard Okita mumbled, but Chizuru couldn't answer him. "See ya later."
Chizuru still didn't answer him, nor glance at him but felt his warmth leave her side and the cold instantly took over. At least he left through the back entrance and she had to thank him later for it. She watched as Kazama's eyes watched, intently, as Okita left before finally looking back at her. His gaze softened just a fraction and he held out his hand, motioning for her to hurry up and get to him.
She resisted the urge to shake her head and follow Okita, if she hurried, she could still catch him. But, that wouldn't be good. She tried to push the cold feeling away, reminding herself that this was her boyfriend, she knew him, and although she was mad at him, she was for good reason. Her feet finally started working and she swung her backpack on as she made her way towards him.
His hand wrapped itself immediately around her shoulder and the hand felt more like a claim rather than out of affection or apology. Chizuru pressed her lips together and she kept her eyes fixed ahead of her, refusing to buckle down like she knew he thought she would. Kazama's hands tightened just slightly on her shoulder.
"Is he still bothering you?" he asked her, a soft edge to his voice.
Chizuru shook her head and tried not to laugh out in an angry way. "Is that what you came to see me for?" she asked, still not bothering to spare him with a glance. She was proud of herself, she didn't have even the slightest notion to cave to him. "To talk about Okita...?"
She felt him tense next to her, probably because she spoke his name and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Admittingly, she was pushing at him a little and he did have reason to feel threatened by him, but he was avoiding the real reason he was there and she wasn't in the mood to hear him lecture about him again. If he did, she wasn't so sure she'd be able to keep her thoughts or the truth quiet.
"You know he's—" Kazama cut himself off and he was silent for a moment, to collect his thoughts. Chizuru had to admit, he was perceptive and smart enough to rethink what he said. But she supposed that was what made him a good student council president. "You didn't text me back." He finally said, redirecting their conversation to a much more relievent point.
Chizuru could feel his eyes on her and she still didn't glance at him. She nodded, "I know." She mumbled and there was more silence. She knew he was waiting for her to explain herself but she was talking her time. Honestly, she wasn't sure where this more brazen side of her was coming from, but it felt good to stand her ground.
"And so you didn't respond." His fingers finally fell from her shoulder and he grabbed her elbow, pulling her to a stop and turning her towards him. Her heart jumped to her throat, but where it should've been beating like crazy around him, it was only out of slight embarrassment. There were students milling about and her eyes jumped to them, their curious eyes looking at them and their steps slowing down—hoping to over hear something good to gossip about. "Why?"
She sighed softly, "My dad called this morning and by the time I saw you texted me, class already started." She finally looked up at his stern gaze, but for once, didn't feel intimidated by it. Just annoyed. Why was it okay for him to do that to her? They were equals, weren't they? "You should understand that, right?"
Kazama's eyebrows slammed down over his eyes and he frowned, "What has gotten into you?" he asked, lowering his voice to that no-nonsense tone. It was stiff and hard, meant to scold. She wasn't phased by it. "Is this still about me cancelling on you? Chizuru," he tipped his head to the side and frowned again, his hands cupping her face to keep her eyes on his. "You've got to get over that. I've already explained that I can't help when they need me at the last minute and I already apologized for it...I thought you understood all that."
Chizuru tipped her head back and she closed her eyes, trying to collect herself before she answered. It wouldn't do good to yell at him in the midst of so many students. Their problems were not for them to hear and spread around. "I do understand," She pulled at his wrists, forcing him to drop his hands from her face. It was hard to speak with him doing that. His hands settled on her shoulders, which weren't much better since it seemed to weigh her down but she didn't push it. "but you need to understand that I also have a life, other priorities, and things that come up last minute for me too. You can't—no, you don't have the right to be mad at me for it. I shouldn't have to apologize to you, if you don't feel you have to do so to me."
Kazama pressed his lips together, his eyes flashing slightly and she knew what she said upset him. His eyes finally glanced around them, as if just realizing they weren't in private. "You have to understand my side, Chizuru. You may have other priorities, but mine, well—they're more important. I made reservations last night, I had to pull some strings for them to get us in and that's why I was so upset. I hate that our night together went to waste because you had to cancel." His hand went back up to cup the side of her face, his thumb slowly moving back and forth over her cheek. The touch wasn't as comforting as she normally found it to be, but she figured it was because she was mad.
There was his apology disguised as her fault. No matter how much she tried, she knew he wouldn't get it. He wouldn't admit his fault because he didn't think it was him. She forced her lips to smile, there was no use to keep trying at the moment. And maybe she was being too hard on him? She automatically leaned into his hand and his lips broke into a small smile—a smile of victory, not of love. Had she always been blind to those kind of things?
"I'm sorry for not answering your text sooner," She finally told him and refusing to apologize for cancelling. If he didn't do it, then neither would she. A heavy feeling settled over her and she tried hard not to frown, but...what did that say about their relationship? Had she always been so wrong for years?
Kazama leaned forward and kissed her forehead, "That's alright." He whispered, "I promise to let you continue with your other priorities without fuss. After all, that's what college is for. I'm sure your father would like you involved in things."
Chizuru gave a solid nod while everything inside her was screaming to correct him. It wasn't for her father, it was for herself. He lowered his hand and took hers in his, taking her to her next class. Kazama wasn't as tense as he was earlier and she noted that, as much as she was mad at him, he did seem to get himself worked up when she was upset with him. That was something, right? She tried to convince herself of that.
"Are you busy this weekend?" she asked, trying to make conversation with him and hoping that he wouldn't be around to accidentally see her at the party.
His face scrunched up with distaste and she furrowed her brow, "Unfortunately." He mumbled and he shook his head, giving her a small smile. "The Frat next door is hosting their annual Mixer, we have to be vigilant and keep an eye on them. I'm surprised the Administration continues to let this happen, but I'm determined to put a stop to this. It's a blemish to this school. If we'd only eradicate these sort of things and hosted more elegant get-togethers, we could sky-rocket into Top 3 rather than be stuck in Top 5."
Chizuru nodded slowly, her heart sinking. How was she going to get to the party without being noticed by him. "So you're going to be at the party?" she asked, staring down at her feet.
Kazama gave an irritated sigh. "Chizuru, please pay attention." He glanced at her, "I wouldn't be caught dead at that party. I can't be seen there, it would ruin everything I've built for myself here. In actuality, I'm going out of town, but my comrades have been informed to keep an eye on the whole thing and report it when—and it will—get out of hand. They get three strikes before Administration has to do something about them. This year, I will crack them."
They stopped again, this time right outside her classroom. She glanced up at him, slightly wary that he'd see the horror in her eyes at the thought. If he did get what he wanted, that would get her new friends in serious trouble. Expulsion. Kazama brushed her hair from her face, not at all catching her expression. He kissed her briefly and gave her a pleased look.
"We'll do something maybe Sunday night, ok?" he smiled, completely peaceful as if he didn't just tell her that he planned on ruining the life's of an entire Fraternity. "Remember to keep your distance from that Okita character. I don't trust him for one minute."
Chizuru only nodded, feeling numb. She watched as he turned away from her and she stared at him. How long had she been blind to how he really was inside and out? She finally walked into her classroom, but wasn't really paying attention. Her thoughts kept buzzing to what he had told her.
They get three strikes before Administration has to do something about them. This year, I will crack them.
They get three strikes before Administration has to do something about them. This year, I willcrack them.
They get three strikes before Administration has to do something about them. This year...
I.
Will.
Crack.
them.
a/n: Thank you for reading! :) Read and review, pleeease! I appreciate it, always do! Til next time!