Dear Readers,
I'm so sorry it took long. I was busy with a lot of thinks but that doesn't give me an excuse, right? This chapter when you read on concludes to the enclosure of our story, my friends. A couple more chapters will be out and it ends. I'm happy to finish this, but sad at the time. I am satisfied though that I'm completing a story that I make sure to proof read and what sound like a success. As I know it's not perfect, but I hope it's enough to satisfy you all. Please enjoy and I hope I finish the story by the end of summer. I have another idea! =]
*Crazy Sugar*
(( Sunday, sundown at the park ))
"Izumi," Maron said, completely forgetting that Chiaki had to tell her something. "What's wrong?" She asked, walking up to him. Chiaki lagged behind.
"It's Stella," he said, searching her eyes, which widened.
"Oh my gosh! What happened to her," she said, slapping her hands lightly on both sides of her cheeks, "Is she in the hospital? Is something wrong with her?!"
He laughed and put his hands on the both sides of her shoulders, "There's nothing wrong with her. She wanted talk to you." She slapped him on the shoulder.
"Izumi, why couldn't you tell me sooner? I thought she died or something!"
"Sorry."
"It's okay. I'm just overreacting," she looked at Chiaki, who was gazing at her. "Can Chiaki come?"
"Sure…I don't think she would mind. She really wanted to talk to you."
"What about?"
"I don't know. She just told me that a word would not cross her lips unless she told you first," he said rolling his eyes.
She smiled at him and looked at Chiaki, holding out a hand, which he grasped without hesitation. Their hands never left each other's until they got into the café and went upstairs to the apartment, where Stella and Roy were.
She greeted them both with a hug and kiss. "How are you Stella…Roy?" She looked at him as he nodded and then rested her gaze on Stella in a confused way. Stella just smiled and got up, leading Maron into the kitchen and told her to sit down.
Maron watched as Stella went to the fridge. "Soda…water," Stella asked.
"Water's fine, please," she said as Stella handed it to her, taking a seat as well. "So what's this about?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I don't think we've ever met before," the man said, smiling, "I'm Roy Mavery."
"Chiaki," he said back, shaking his hand in greeting. "So, do you know what this is about."
"Yeah, I'll tell you," he said, leaning closer to Chiaki, "My wife, Stella is pregnant with our child."
"Congratulations! What do you want it to be?"
Roy laughed, his green eyes twinkling. "It doesn't matter to me! Whatever the baby comes out to be, I'd cherish the child as much as I do with my wife. So who are you exactly…to anonymous."
"I'm a friend, I guess."
"You guess," he questioned, studying the boys features as his eyes widened understandably, "Ah, you think she's something more?"
"Yeah," he said leaning back against the couch, brushing his hand through is blue hair as he looked at the ceiling in wonder, "I just hope I'm something more to her, like almost boyfriend."
"Just give it time. I'm sure she feels the same way."
"I hope so…"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You're pregnant," Maron said, happily. "When are you due?"
"March 16th. Oh, Maron, it worked out all so perfectly!"
"I'm glad," she said, then her face turned serious. "Does Roy know?"
"Of course he does," she said, laughing as Maron's face glowed with excitement. "I love Roy so much. He was so excited that he fainted in the doctor's office! This child," she rubbed her stomach, "is so special to us. I feel it'll be a girl."
"How do you know?"
"I don't know, I just feel it; But no matter what the baby turns out to be, I'll love the child all the same!" She grabbed Maron's hand, "So, is that the boy you've been oogling over?" Maron turned scarlet red and looked away.
"Thought so," she smiled softly. "He seems like a nice boy, since I can hear Roy laughing. Do you love him?"
"Most definitely! I was so confused before, but now I think I know. He's the one for me."
"I'm glad to hear that. I expect you two to get married and have five children."
"Stella," she said, blushing, "I haven't even thought that far yet!"
"Oh, but when you guys start going out, you will. Just don't scare your man…I did it to Roy when we were dating. He said I was going way too fast. He didn't know whether or not we were still going to be in a relationship. I cried the night he told me that. We ignored each other for about two days or less. We lived in the same apartment together and we didn't even speak a word!"
"Then," she smiled, "he left me flowers and a note to meet him by Hemingway Park. Oh, it was truly romantic! I felt guilty and told him I was sorry. He smiled and apologized as well." She sighed, "On that day, July 7th, Roy Mavery proposed to me. He said he was nervous and had wanted to pop the question for months! All I could do was cry, kiss him and… well, you know what happened next."
Maron blushed. "You're so lucky Stella. I hope it happens to me."
"It will, sweetie. Soon enough. Now, let's get back into the living room." They walked into the room and slid into the conversation with the boys, which was mainly about the baby and Maron and Chiaki's relationship.
To describe the way the room on the second floor of the café was comfortable. There were lacy white curtains draped on the window. The walls in the rooms were painted different colors. A crème brulee color was in the kitchen, the bedrooms were painted a pale, but visible lavender and living room an oriental red with Japanese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Antique lamps sat on two night stands on either side of the couch Maron and Stella were now sitting on, since the guys offered.
Now, Izumi was the last one to find out in the room since he eavesdropped on Chiaki and Roy's conversation. He was ecstatic! He was ready to become an uncle. Maron got up as everyone paused and turned their attention for her. "I'm going to make some coffee." She exited out of the room and went to the kitchen.
Roy took the liberty of giving Chiaki a nudge. Chiaki looked over at him, confused. 'Go after her,' he mouthed and winked. Chiaki only nodded and walked out. "Hey, Mitsuki."
"Hey," she smiled. "Want to help?" She poured milk into five cups as he walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her.
"What kind of coffee are you making?"
"Cappuccino. I'm sure you know how to make one." She walked over to the espresso machine and steamed the milk so it came out fluffy. After a couple minutes, she put the cups down on the wooden table as Chiaki cleaned the steamer. He then slid open the draw under what the espresso machine and took out 5 tea bags. He went over to the cabinet and got a coffee cup from where Maron got hers.
"I'll make the espresso," He said.
She sighed and watched him from the back as she took a seat. "So, what was it you were going to tell me."
"Huh," he said confused.
"In the park…remember?"
"Oh," he smiled sheepishly, "I'll tell you later when we're alone." She huffed exaggeratingly, causing him to smirk, "You should've listened to me instead of looked Izumi." He sat down and poured the coffee into each of the cups.
"What was I going to do, ignore him? That's just rude!"
"Point taken. I'll tell you… I want to anyway because it'll then lead to another question."
"What's that?"
"Not telling you yet." She sighed dramatically and glared at him. "Let's just go give everyone their coffee."
They came back into the room as they gave everyone their coffee and went back to their spots. "What took you guys so long," Izumi teased.
"Coffee does take time, Izumi," Maron said smoothly.
"I'm faster than you and can be done with of those in two minutes!"
"Is that a challenge I hear from someone who has a lot of experience?" It was silent for about ten seconds that you could hear the clock ticking.
"Maybe…"
She rolled her eyes as they continued to talk for another hour. It was getting late. It was a quarter to 11 and Maron yawned, causing Stella to look at her. "Aww, poor thing, you must be tired," Stella looked at Chiaki, "Help take her home since you both live in the same apartment.
He just nodded and helped her up, both of them saying goodnight before leaving. He led her down stairs by the hand as she continued to yawn.
'She just had coffee and she's falling asleep. What a weird, yet interesting girl.' He thought. Once they were out of the building, she stopped dead in her tracks causing him to look at her questionably. "Carry me, please?"
"Wow, are you serious," he asked. She just nodded, rubbing her eyes as he sighed. He picked her up bridal style and shook his head, smiling down at her. "I guess coffee makes you drunk little girl."
"I'm no little girl…you are," she said, sleepily punching, which felt like a tap on the shoulder. He rolled his eyes and pressed the elevator button and waited for it. Once it beeped, he came face to face with a familiar person.
"You," they both said simultaneously. Chiaki eyed him suspiciously. "What are you doing here, Takuto?"
"No worries," Takuto said, putting his hands up innocently, "I just wanted to check if she was okay, but I can see she is. I'll come by tomorrow. See ya'!" He waved, walking towards the exit.
Chiaki watched him for a second until he was out of sight. He stepped into the elevator and pressed the floor number. He finally got to the girl's apartment and shook her gently. "Anonymous," he whispered. She stirred and half opened her left eye.
"Hmmm?"
"Where is the key to your apartment?"
"What are you talking about? I live with you, silly…," she said, snuggling closer and closing her eye.
"I wish," he muttered as his eyes caught sight of her wallet purse in her hand. He gently tried to remove it from her grasp, but her eyes shot open. She squirmed a little, not knowing who was holding her. She looked up after her vision adjusted and saw Chiaki smirking at her. "I guess that's all it takes to get you awake.
"Why are you carrying me," she asked confused.
"You told me to." She blushed at his answer.
"Did I say anything weird?"
"No," he lied, putting her down, "You're tired. Go get some rest." She nodded and watched him walk to his apartment.
"Chiaki," she whispered as he looked at her, waiting for her response, "Good night." He smiled at her.
"'Night, babe." He smirked when he saw her blush and watched as she entered her apartment, making sure she went in. He sighed and went inside of his own and jumped on his bed. "What a night," he sighed, "I have to tell her. I can't go through with this any longer."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
((Monday, 11th Day of Game))
[[14 Days Left]]
Maron was dressed and in the living room, reading a magazine catalog for Zoo York & Company. She might as well get to know the store and have a feel for it, since it was one of her top stores. The door bell rang, causing her to jump. She yelled she'd be right there and put her magazine on the coffee table in the living room.
She straightened her clothes out and went to the mirror right next to the apartment's exit and checked her hair and make-up. She opened the door to see who it was. A smile faintly grew on her lips. "What are you doing here?"
"Maron, Maron…is that anyway to talk to your partner in crime," he said with a devilish grin and walked in before she could answer. She shut the door and followed him to the kitchen as he took a seat. "I told you I was going to visit you yesterday, but you seemed to have other plans, you naughty girl." She looked at him confused and he smirked, "I bumped into Chiaki last night and he seemed to be holding you, oh so lovingly…did you guys do anything last night?"
She blushed and his face grew serious. "No, nothing happened, but what would it matter? I like Chiaki and I think our chemistry is building pretty well."
"Hmm, is that so," he said getting up and walking towards her. She backed into the corner of the counter and tried to find a way out. It was pretty much too late, as he boxed her in with his hand on both sides of her and his body only an inch apart from hers. Electricity shot through her body and her cheeks went warm, but she refused to look him in the eye. When Takuto saw this, he grabbed her chin, so she was looking at him.
He brought his face closer to hers, his lips forming a kissable pout and his eyelid half closed. She shut her eyes, and put her hands in front of his mouth. "I," she stuttered weakly and cleared her throat, "I don't think we should do this. I love Chiaki."
"But I thought we had something," he said.
"What?! We have nothing, mister! Remember the plan?"
"No…are you saying you've been using me," he growled, causing her to flinch.
"Stop putting words into my mouth! We had an agreement, so why do you care so much. You're a womanizer. Go hurt someone else."
"Watch your tongue. I'm way older than you and I don't think I like that Chiaki near you."
She tried to push away, but her wrists were in Takuto mind blowing grip. He held them only tighter, making her cry out in pain. "Don't even try it."
"B-but Takuto," she said softly, eyes starting to tear up. "I thought you were nice and understood what I was saying…where's your true self." She looked away, as the tears let loose, trickling down her face. His eyes remained cold as he dropped her hands. "I'll be back…don't you dare leave the apartment. Understand," he demanded, causing her to nod without hesitation.
"W-when will you be back?"
"Soon," he said, giving her a reassuring smile as he left.
Maron just stared at where he was standing and let images of what just happened and what she ever did wrong. He already knew the plan and yet he had to act like a dummy? She cared about Takuto and loved him as an older brother. She guessed he had other things in mind. She had to think fast…offer him a negotiation. For Pete's sake, she was held hostage in her own home and not aloud out or invite anyone in! What could she do to get him to stop this nonsense?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Takuto walked down the street, brushing his hang shakily through his hair as his inner voice spoke.
'What…in the HELL were you THINKING,' the voice said. 'What did I do wrong? She got what she deserves for using me…' 'Nah-ah! You made a deal with her. You chose to fall in love with her yourself. Your starting a relationship that was never there.' 'What do you mean by that? I thought we had something.'
'Hello?! You're a player! You can have any girl in this da mn world. You know, I'm seriously thinking your drunk or you just don't want to be a player anymore. What makes this girl so special?'
'I don't know…her innocence?'
'Well, stop, you're onlymaking her cry and feel dirty, guilty and confused. Do it again and I'll beat you up!'
'Oh, yeah! I want to see you do that, conscience.'
'Damn you…I'll figure out a way.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'I've got it,' Maron thought happily as she ran to get her cell phone out of her wallet purse and dialed one of her best friend's number. After two rings, her friend picked up. 'Hello?'
"Yeah, Lena, it's Maron…you in town?"
'Oh hey Maron long time no talk,' Lena said laughing, 'What's up?'
"Nothing, how about you?"
'Nah, nothing's new; And I'm in town. Are you okay?'
"Yeah," Maron replied, "I have someone I want you to meet."
'Okay, when would you like me over?'
"How about in an hour?"
'Sounds good! You still living in the apartment?'
"Yep, I'll see you then!"
'Bye!'
Maron shut the phone and smiled mischievously. 'Maybe this'll help. Time to play matchmaker,' she thought.
Twenty minutes later, Takuto came in while she was doing her make-up. He looked down at her lips and licked his own in response. "I'm back," he said smiling sheepishly. She put on her fake depressed look and looked at him.
"Oh," she simply said and walked towards the couch, crossed her legs and read a magazine.
'Great she's mad at me,' he said rolling his eyes. "Babe, I'm sorry for what I did before."
"What for saying I'm wrong? You know, you're probably right since you only believe your side of the story," she snapped.
"Aw, princess, don't be mad at me. I was probably drunk or something."
"Wow, what an excused," she said crossing her arms, still refusing to look at him. "I'm not your princess."
"Ugh, what do you want me to do?"
"I want you to meet another girl."
"Why?"
"Because I'm not yours and you're a player anyway. I belong to Chiaki. I'm inviting someone over for you to meet."
"Oh, and who's that," he glared. His eyes soften once she turned and looked at him with a finger to her lips.
"It's a secret."
Forty minutes arrived and the door bell rang. She answered the door and told her friend to come in as she led her to the kitchen, where Takuto sat. "Takuto," she said as he looked up, flickering his eyes between Maron and the girl next to her, arching an eyebrow in question. "This is Lena. Lena, this is Takuto."
Lena offered her hand which he shook. "Nice meeting you," she said shyly.
'I knew she'd fall for him,' she smirked, 'I hope he feels the same way about her.
Lena Brown was a year older than Maron, but graduated the same year as her in high school this past year. She looked much like Maron, but her hair was layered in a short style and had auburn high lights streaked in her dark brown hair. Her eyes were a dark green, almost a brown. You wouldn't notice them unless you were in the sunlight. She had a model's skinny body, and was 5'6. Her trademark was her smile, which usually sent guys swooning.
Maron looked at Takuto, who started a conversation with her. He seemed interested. She took this time to leave. "I'll be right back." Takuto just nodded and her friend gave her a warning glance, causing Maron to grin. 'God, I hope something good happens so the weight could be lifted off my shoulders.' She pleaded up to the ceiling once she was out the door.
"Who are you praying to," someone said as she shot a glare at him. Her glare turned into a smile as she walked up to him. "Hey Chiaki, how's it going."
"Pretty good, but you just made my day with what I just saw," he smirked as she slapped him on the shoulder.
"So, are you ever going to tell me that important thing?"
"Yes, but I don't know if I should."
"Why," she pouted, getting a grin on his end.
"Well, a certain someone keeps getting distracted."
"I-I don't mean to," she said, biting her lip to keep from smiling, but failed miserably under his gaze.
"Come with me," he said, offering his arm to her, which she gladly took. They walked towards the elevator and waited for it. When it came they got into the elevator, went out to exit the apartment and headed off to the right, the opposite direction of Izumi's and Nuthan's. She looked up at him questionably.
"I don't want any interruptions," he answered back. "We'll go towards the gardens in the park across the street."
She just nodded and bit her lip. Where had she heard garden from? She didn't know and didn't want to remember. She was just nervous of what Chiaki wanted to talk about. Once they were near the garden, she couldn't help, but admire all the beautiful exotic flowers. Allium, Baby's Breath, Lilies, Pink & Red Ginger, Irises and so many other types of flowers that she couldn't name.
They came towards a bench and sat close to each other as Chiaki went and grabbed Maron's hand.
"Anonymous, there is one question you have to answer for me first and don't hesitate to answer. You'll surely get a positive answer back."
"What is it?"
"Do you like me and not as just of a friend. Something more…possibly?" He looked at her and saw as her cheeks glowed a faint pink.
"Y-yes. I've felt this way since the fair. But I was so jealous that Vicky reminded you of Arina's work…she probably does." He sighed and pulled her closer.
"Don't put yourself down like that. You know why? Because I like you and you're the silly girl that reminds me of Arina's work. We've been through a lot even if it had been 11 or more days of knowing you." He kissed the back of her hand and looked her in the eye."Are you ready for the second part?"
She nodded and smiled at him. "I…know your name." She blushed redder than before and got out of her seat and snatched her hand away.
"H-how do you know?! And when did you find out? Do you even know what my name is or are you just toying around? Chiaki, I," she was stopped by his lips pressing against hers greedily and with need. He pulled back and looked at her half lidded eyes and smiled. He sat down and pulled her down with him.
"If you stop opening your annoying mouth, I would've told you."
"I'm not—."
"Don't say anything. You only make things worse than they are. Now relax and I'll tell you," he smirked as she pouted and leaned her head on his shoulder, playing with the hair on the back of his head. "First, your name is Maron Kusakabe. Second, I knew because it slipped out of your friends mouths a lot."
"Traitors," she muttered as he laughed. "How long I knew, well, since the very beginning."
"Then why did you continue on with it!? It was torturing me, you jerk," she punched him on the shoulder, but enough to hurt him.
"Maron, Maron…you have to realize that the game was my only way of getting to know you. Would you have talked to me if there was no game?"
"Yes."
"Liar."
"Well, still, I liked from the beginning anyways," she blushed burying her head in his shoulder. He grabbed her shoulders and shifted her body so she was looking straight at him, even if it meant straddling his waist.
"Do I get my award," he asked, as she looked down and crossed her arms.
"You've already had enough."
"I don't think so," he lifted her chin up with his curled index finger. He brought her face closer and gave her a soft, gentle kiss, a real kiss. Something ignited inside her as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body to his. He smiled into the kiss as he snaked his arms around her waist.
"Ahem," they jerked away and looked at who the intruder was.
