Reiko has started to talk, but no more than three or four words. And I don't know…loads of people don't like Aaron…
About Reizo's energy level… well, I'll just let you decide that for yourself. About the plan:
Well…that turned out a bit different than I expected.
Reizo, although he had loads of fun, left for home this morning. I'm gonna miss him.
Let's start from the beginning of this horrifying tale
Ahem.
"So…remind me why you are bringing my guitar?" I asked him for the umpteenth time.
"To pick up chicks, duh!" Reizo had decided he wasn't going to act like a gentleman until he got there.
"You aren't going to be staying," I reminded him.
"So? I might as well have a bit of fun while I'm here!" He leaned across the limo, tugging a lock of my long hair. Luckily, he and I both wore our hair the same way. There really was no way to tell us apart, as long as we didn't talk. Though our voices were identical, our mannerisms were not. Unless, of course, we attempted to make ourselves truly identical.
I rolled my eyes, sticking my tongue out at him. He returned the gesture. We both grinned.
"Nice to have you back, Rei," I said, winking.
"Nice to be back, sis." He found my situation hilarious, and probably would have poked more fun at me had I not threatened to sic Aaron on him. He was absolutely terrified of the giant serpent, which gave me an advantage when we were teasing each other.
"Young master and mistress, we have arrived," our driver monotoned as he opened the door, helping me out. I was wearing a pink halter top that was tight around the chest, but loosened around the waist. Three white butterflies were sewn at the bottom left. It was accompanied by a darker purple knee-length skirt. I had already promised not to go swimming, no matter how much I wanted to. I carried a white over-the-shoulder purse holding both of our phones, I-pods, and a small book for me to read, in case I got bored. I also had a first-aid kit and a pair of sunglasses. Oh, and duck tape. Never know when that'll come in handy.
Reizo looked ready to head into the water with his hair tied back in a ponytail. He had on jet-black swimming trunks with a silver Chinese lung embroidered on the left leg. As for his shirt, it was black as well, with blue flames rising from the base, and Hawaiian-style in that it had buttons running from the top to the bottom. Being Reizo, he had it all the way unbuttoned, showing off his slightly muscular physique. He was lean, just like me, but he had a faint six-pack. To be fair, I had one too, but I couldn't exactly go around advertising the fact I was actually a boy. My guitar was slung across his back.
We smiled at the Ootori's employees as they ushered us inside, directing us which way to go after they had confirmed our identities. I went into shock when we stepped into the perfectly recreated oasis.
A bright blue sky stretched overhead, criss-crossed with white lines. Rainforest spread out on all sides of the path. As we followed it, I looked in wonder at the many brightly-colored birds perched in the trees.
The path let out at a beach. There were already several dozen girls laying on the warm white sand or splashing around in the water.
Then, of course, there were the Hosts.
"My dear princess, I'm glad you could make it!" Tamaki had, as always, appeared from nowhere. He held my hands gently in his own.
I averted my gaze, making a light blush color my cheeks. "Tamaki-san…" I breathed. "Tamaki-san, allow me to introduce my brother, Raiden."
Reizo was cracking up on the inside, I could tell. Outwardly, he appeared cool and collected.
"A pleasure to finally meet you formally, Tamaki-san," Rei said quietly, bowing deeply.
Tamaki returned the gesture. "The pleasure is all mine, Raiden-san. Have you decided to re-think your decision in schooling?"
I could tell Tamaki wanted 'Raiden' to join the Host Club.
"Regrettably, I do not think that would be the wisest decision for my education." Wow, Rei wasn't even breaking a sweat!
The two of them walked off, talking about who knows what.
"Rei-chan! Rei-chan!" Hunny bounded up to me. "Aren't you going to swim with Takashi and me?"
I smiled, shaking my head. "Sorry, Hunny-san. I'm not one for swimming…"
I really wish I could have, however. I LOVED to swim. If we had another week, I could have taught Reizo to be Reiko, and I could have been me.
Sadly, we did not have that.
Hunny gave me a sad look, before returning to his customers in the water. He was wearing an inflatable ring, though he didn't need it.
I sat down on a chair, across the table from Haruhi. "Hello, Haruhi-kun."
Haruhi was the only one I didn't address as –san. Why? Probably because he was the first person I actually met. Or maybe it was all the shared walks and lunches.
"Reiko-chan! It's nice to see you again!" He smiled, tilting his head slightly.
"How are you?" I asked politely.
He made a face. "I wasn't too keen on coming back here… I have things to do on Saturdays…"
I smiled, giggling. "Let me guess… Tamaki-san?"
He nodded, smiling.
"Still... surely you must be glad to be here, right? It is rather relaxing…" I leaned back, half-closing my eyes.
"Well, I'll say this: it brings back memories," Haruhi replied.
We fell into silence, and I sighed contentedly, bringing out my book.
I was about halfway through it when Reizo came up to me.
"Rai, can we talk for a moment?" he asked. Thank goodness you can't verbally tell the difference between Rai and Rei.
I stood, allowing him to lead me behind the restroom building.
"What's up?" I asked once I was sure there was no one around.
"I'm tired, but these girls won't leave me alone!" he complained.
"So? What am I supposed to do about it?" I crossed my arms, looking at him expectantly.
"Switch places with me."
YES! Finally, I could do something other than sit there with a book.
"Fine, but you have to promise to sit quietly and not fake-flirt with the Hosts." I wasn't taking any chances with my devilish brother. I knew the way his mind worked: mine was the same way.
"Deal."
I had to sneak into the guy's bathroom via the window, seeing as all the Hosts were busy outside.
We swapped clothes, not bothering about make-up since I hadn't left with any on. He handed me the hair-tie and I put mine up while he shook his out. I walked out, dressed in boy clothes while Reizo snuck back out, now clothed as a girl.
I walked him back over to Haruhi, who was zoned out. He sat down on the chair, out like a light as soon as his head touched the reclining back.
Sheesh. What had those girls done to him?
I walked over to the current pool, stretching. It was time to get some exercise.
"Raiden-kun! Are you going swimming?" A small group of girls had come up behind me while I was stretching.
"Yes…" I answered, uncertain of where they were going with this.
They exchanged glances. "Do you… mind if we watched you?" a cute blonde one asked
A faint smile touched my lips. "Not at all. In fact, I would be honored." I bowed deeply, taking her hand in mine and kissing it gently. Tamaki sure was a good person to watch when it came to flattering girls.
She blushed madly, and the others sighed in envy. I turned around, diving into the current pool. When I came up, I started a butterfly stroke. Though exhausting, it was great for strengthening my body.
When I was thoroughly exhausted, I swam to the edge, hauling my dripping self out of the pool. I hit the heel of my hand against the side of my head a few times to rid my ears of the water. Then I turned to the girls.
"Thank you for keeping me company," I said, smiling.
"I-it was nothing!" stuttered a flushed brunette. I recognized her from my class.
"So where are you going now?" the blonde inquired.
"Well…"I looked around. "I was thinking I would maybe go to that water slide. Would any of you ladies like to accompany me?"
They all looked at the giant, twisting tube. "I-it looks kind of scary…" Manami Inoue, the brunette, said.
"It's not scary when you are with someone," I pointed out. I grabbed her hands, twirling her so I was behind her. My arms wrapped around her waist. "Allow me to accompany you, Manami-san."
She blushed crazily. "I guess I can go, if you are there with me."
I smiled, my breath tickling her neck. We were just about to leave for the slide when I heard a scream. As one group, we bolted in the direction of the alarming sound.
A six-foot alligator had its mouth wide open and was hissing angrily. The bad part? It had one of the girls backed up against the bathhouse. The even worse part? I was the only one close enough to help.
I sprang into action. "Rei!" I called. He jumped. "Grab your purse!"
What did I do? I did a very reckless and foolish thing.
I jumped onto said gator's back.
Imitating Steve Irwin is actually very hard to do, so I just did my own thing. My legs immobilized the beast's thrashing tail while I slammed my elbow down on its head. That stunned it just enough so that I could effectively shut its mouth. Both hands clamped on the powerful jaws, I could only hope Rei could get here fast enough.
"Here!" I released its jaw with one hand, raising my hand to catch the roll of duck tape Rei threw in my direction. Unfortunately, my temporary lapse in focus caused it to slip its tail out from between my legs. The thrashing tail battered my legs until I managed to get it under control again.
Didn't I tell you I'd need it? I taped its jaw shut so it couldn't bite me. Then I held onto the squirming beast for dear life until I heard a little 'fwip' and it stopped moving. I looked up to see a man dressed in a police uniform holding a tranquilizer gun. Gratefully, I rolled off. I was exhausted! Who knew how hard wrestling a gator was?
Anyways, let's just say in order to avoid numerous pointless conversations, Rei and I checked to see if the girl was okay, and then we left.
On the way home, Rei patched me up. My legs were all scratched up, and I had twisted my ankle.
Now I have all Sunday to think of a reason to tell the Host Club why I have a limp.
Any ideas?
Rai.
P.S. I don't know how many places I've lived. I lost count after twelve.
P.P.S. I'm sure it couldn't be THAT bad Mommi. You must have a wonderful voice.
