Hello, my fabulous readers! Thanks to you all, this fic has reached over 1000 views! Yay!~ Thank you everyone! Now, on a side note, I am seriously considering putting this fic up to an M very soon. Would you guys keep reading? This chapter felt a bit risky to me, so I hope nobody's offended by it. Please, let me know if it should stay as T or go up to an M.
The days passed slowly from then on. Rin remained the same. I interacted each day with the other servants at breakfast, but both Len and I requested our dinner be brought up so that we could eat in Rin's room. I spent the days in Rin's room, arriving at around nine o' clock and remaining there until half past eight at night. On the third day of Rin's sickness, Defoko visited again with equipment, and hooked Rin up to an IV drip, seeing as she couldn't eat or drink.
Len joined me sometimes, but he had to continue with his studies, and sometimes went on visits to the nearest town. Every now and then, I felt a pang of jealousy as Len left the house freely to see a friend, or something, but then I reminded myself that Rin needed me, and I ducked my head selfishly.
Spring gradually turned into summer, and with each passing day, I learnt more and more about the residents of the house;
Gumi: the overly-cheerful house maid. Her age is probably around 20 years old. Although she worked long, tiring hours, she always remained happy. I learnt that she had grown up with her older brother, Gakupo in a small house a few towns away with their grandparents. Their parents had died when they were young, so they were very close as siblings. When Gakupo got the job of the Butler at Kagamine Manor, Gumi had applied to be the maid there.
Somehow, though, over the years of working here, they seemed to have grown apart. I suspected the reason Gumi acted so cheerful was that she was covering up how unhappy she was, deep down. One time, I woke during the night to muffled sobs, and quietly sat up and saw Gumi with her back to me, shoulders shaking, sobbing into a pillow. I didn't want to intrude, so I pretended to be asleep, although I felt terribly guilty for doing so.
Miki: the easy-going kitchen maid. She is a loyal, but slightly wild, servant, and gets along well with most people. Despite her strange fascination with bacon, she loves animals, and I've heard she sometimes sneaks out at night to visit the horses. She was kind me the first day I was here, and over the weeks we always sat together at breakfast, and we have quickly become close friends. There is not much mystery surrounding Miki, really she is an open book; pretty easy to read.
When I asked her where she grew up, she told me her Father was a writer and an alcoholic, so at the age of fourteen, she had left the house and sought out work. When Miki had seen a live-in job going at Kagamine Manor in the local newspaper she was reading from a town she was passing through, she jumped at the chance. Miki applied, but they had already chosen another girl for the position. But, the next week, Kaito contacted her saying that the girl had been involved in an accident, and would she like the job? Of course, Miki said yes. Now, five years later, she was still working there.
Meiko: the –often drunk- housekeeper. I had not had many chances to interact with this interesting woman, I had overheard many hyped-up stories of her antics from the younger servants at breakfast. Not much was known about her past, but apparently she drank almost every night and woke up each morning with a terrible hangover. I found it odd that Kaito didn't fire her, but whenever I asked about this, people avoided eye contact with me and pretended they hadn't heard me.
Gakupo: the flirtatious butler. Despite my previous thoughts of him being a womanizer, I began to warm to his ways, and discovered a different side of him that sometimes came out. He still teased me and wound me up, but I knew that he did that with a lot of people; it was just in his nature. Once, when he had some free time, he came up to visit me and Rin in the tower room. While we were watching over Rin, he told me a little about himself; how he had always fancied himself as a butler, and actually enjoyed his job; how much he cared for his kid sister, Gumi; how he was hopelessly in love with a beautiful woman way out of his league. At this point, I stared at him, alarmed, hoping he didn't mean me. He saw this and smiled, shaking his head,
"No, I see her rarely. And she is in love with another,"
I'd awkwardly comforted him, but he just shrugged me off with a teasing grin. Gakupo always made reference to a supposed "great tutor" he'd once had, forever quoting him and then sighing. When I asked about him, he didn't give much away, just told me how fantastic of a teacher this guy was. Gakupo was indeed a strange -but good- fellow.
Teto: the grouchy cook. I didn't know much about her, because to be perfectly honest, she didn't really interest me so I didn't ask. From short conversations with Momo when we passed each over in the corridor, I learnt that Momo considered Teto as her best friend beside the fact that Teto constantly bullied her. I didn't see much of Teto, but knew from experience that her food was fantastic. Oh yes, and Momo had warned me to never call Teto's hairstyle "Drills", for she was very proud of her hair, and much preferred the term "Oversized corkscrew ringlets,".
When I pointed out that this was a mouthful to say, Momo had told me that she had once called them "Drills," and Teto had gotten angry and put too much pepper in her soup for lunch. I hastily agreed to never mention the word "Drills" around Teto.
Oliver: the young, shy stable boy. I had spoken shortly with him a few times, and he had come off as an adorable boy of about fourteen years old. Miki told me that he had grown up on a farm in England and had a deep passion for horses, explaining his current work position. I knew that Oliver refused as politely as he could whenever he was offered meat, and adored all animals.
Momo: the timid Lady's Maid. From what I'd heard, Momo and her half-sister had been abandoned by her parents a while back, and Defoko had taken care of them since then. When they started getting short on money, Defoko won a scholarship at a medical school, and Momo applied for the job of the cook. But, seeing as the position was already filled, Kaito offered her the job of Lady's Maid, and she had agreed.
Gumi told me one night that Momo suffers from abandonment issues, and hates being left alone. I always felt sympathetic whenever I saw quiet, good-hearted Momo, and tried my best to be a friend to her.
Piko: the –somewhat cocky- confident young footman. I had only seen him once, when he accompanied Len to visit Rin in between his studies, but he gave off an air that said "I'm better than you," and I immediately disliked him. He bore a strange appearance; shocking gray –almost white- hair that fell scruffily to his cheekbones. His eyes were two different colors, one blue, one green, and he quite startled me.
I learnt one breakfast that Miki had a small crush on Piko, him only being a few years older than her, but he completely blanked her.
Haku: Though she didn't work in the house full time, all the servants knew her. She was a soft-spoken twenty-three year old woman, with an intelligent mind and quiet demeanour. Despite being a tutor, I heard she got easily flustered, especially around Neru. There was a big mystery surrounding their relationship, and nobody really knew anything about it.
Haku was kind-hearted and many of the servants respected her. I saw her a few more times within the few weeks in which Rin remained immobile. Twice, she came to visit, along with Len. The first time she sat politely, not saying much, but the second time she told me all about Shakespeare, which I loved to her. I showed her Rin's copy of Romeo and Juliet and she nodded, sipping delicately from her teacup,
"Romeo and Juliet has indeed provided the foundations for many of today's modern romance novels," She said, setting the cup down, "And many tragedies, too,"
Then came the little snippets of information about the Kagamine family I heard from various conversations. I didn't learn much more than what I already knew, but I gained knowledge of interesting little facts;
Kaito Kagamine was known around the household as a womanizer, and there was a rumour that he had had many affairs, that his wife may or may not have known about.
Lily Kagamine was mentally unstable; at least, that's what I'd heard. Although when you first meet her she seems like the calmest person you'll ever know, apparently she can snap at the slightest thing, and go ballistic. Also, from the servants' gossip, it's become apparent that she has had multiple mental breakdowns in the past.
A few years back, Lily had a miscarriage and her and Kaito had drifted even further apart.
One time, a girl had worked here, Tei Sukone. She had become infatuated with Kaito, who didn't return her feelings. In her grief, she hung herself in her room. People say her ghost haunts the house, but I refuse to believe in supernatural beings.
Neru had previously attended an expensive private school, but last year, she was expelled for threatening a teacher. This event, too, is shrouded in mystery, as no-one really knew what happened.
When I learned this information, I became more and more curious about the Kagamine Family. I began to eavesdrop on many conversations, oblivious to the fact that what I was doing was wrong, until one day I got caught.
It was a bright, summer's morning, and I was wandering down a corridor in the East Wing of the house after breakfast on my way to visit Rin, when I heard a male voice coming from behind a door. My curiosity peaked when I recognised the door of Kaito's study from my first day here. I checked nobody was coming either way down the corridor, and quietly crept up to the door. I crouched down and put my ear to the wood.
"Yes, I know, darling," I recognised the voice as Kaito's, "I know you want to see me, but I'm quite busy at the moment," I wondered if he was talking to himself, "Yes, I too, thoroughly...enjoyed last Saturday,"
My face flushed as I realised he was most likely talking on the phone -and probably not to his wife- but I couldn't stop listening.
"Okay, I'll see you soon, my love. Goodbye," I heard the click of the phone being set back on the receiver, and then silence. I kept my position, waiting. Then suddenly, the door was pushed open and I went flying backwards, the wood sweeping me onto the floor. I felt my eyes open wide, and let out a surprised yelp. I looked up to see Kaito standing in the doorway, surveying me calmly through narrowed eyes. His gaze travelled downwards from my face and I realised with sudden horror that the skirts of my uniform had ridden up, exposing my legs fully for the world to see.
I quickly patted them down, standing up hurriedly, my face most likely crimson in color. I tried to say something but found no words came to my lips. Instead I pretended to stare at my feet, but my eyes flickered up to Kaito's face. He was still watching me, an eyebrow raised elegantly, and a smirk appeared on his lips,
"Come inside, Miku," He told me. I stared at him,
"B-But, I-"
"Miku." He cut me off sternly, and I had no choice but to enter his study. He closed the door behind me and gestured to the chair in which I'd sat for my interview, "Sit down,"
I took my seat, making sure the skirts of my dress were still of adequate length and looked at him, timidly. He took his own place in his chair behind the desk, and leaned forward,
"You do know that eavesdropping on someone's conversation is considered very impolite, Miss Hatsune?" He spoke, but I couldn't tell what he was thinking. I was about to deny it but then I saw the piercing stare he was giving me, and knew he wouldn't buy it. I hung my head,
"I-I'm sorry, sir," I whispered. I heard a quiet chuckle, and looked up to see Kaito getting to his feet. I remained in my chair, unsure of what he was doing. He took a step towards me, and then leaned on his desk,
"You do realise you'll need to make it up to me for this, you know," I nodded, furiously,
"Y-Yes sir, I swear I'll do anything, just p-please don't fire me," I said in a rush, taking a well-needed breath afterwards. Kaito's smirk widened and he took another step forwards,
"Anything?" He prompted. Me, being the oblivious idiot I am, again nodded, "Okay then; stand up," I slowly stood up, a confused expression on my face, "Wait there, don't move,"
"O-Okay," My voice wobbled dangerously. He moved out of my line of vision, to somewhere else in the room. I obediently stood there, not moving, but getting pretty worried, "K-Kaito?" I called out, nervously.
"Yes, Miku?" The voice whispered right into my ear, and I let out a squeal as Kaito grabbed the crook of my left elbow, and held the side of my face from behind. I squirmed in his grip, but he didn't relent, "You did say you'd do anything, right?" When I didn't reply, he turned me around to face him.
Then pressed my lips roughly to his.
(A/N: I wanted to end the chapter on a cliffhanger right here, but it wasn't long enough so...:P)
I tried to shout but it was muffled against his soft lips. I gathered all the strength I could and hastily pulled my face away. I gasped for breath, and he gazed deeply into my eyes, panting, his orbs glazed with lust,
"Oh, Miku," He moaned softly, and put his face to mine again, so our foreheads were touching. I was still in his grip, but I was too shocked to move. I stood there, rigid as he once again kissed me, more passionately this time. I let out a whimper but he didn't seem to notice, sliding his tongue into my mouth. I tried to wriggle from his iron grip, but it was pointless.
Then I felt a wandering hand trail down my spine, coming to rest on my backside, another groping my chest, and I snapped. I put my now-released hands onto his chest and pushed him away as forcefully as I could. He stumbled backwards, ungracefully, and he lost his lust-filled expression, looking reproachfully at me,
"But you said you'd-" He began, but stopped when he saw my scared expression. Kaito's face darkened, "I thought you wanted me," He hissed. I shook my head, a tear rolling down my cheek, he turned his back on me and went over to the window, "You can leave now, then," He spun round to look at me, "But one day, Miku Hatsune, you'll be just dying to have me,"
I stayed silent.
"Go," Kaito commanded, and I obeyed, uttering a small 'goodbye' as I left the room. Once outside, I quickly rubbed my eyes on the back of my sleeve and straightened my dress. Then I rubbed the back of my hand against my mouth fiercely, as if I could wipe away the kiss. I walked airily up to Rin's room, as if I was in a dream.
Nothing seemed real, and I wondered if I had imagined the whole incident, but then I remembered the unwanted grabbing hands, and I shuddered. I must have been giving off mixed signals or something, but I still wondered why Kaito had made a move on me; I was only sixteen, for God's sake! With a shock, I realised he had took my first kiss. I cursed the thieving bastard out loud, not caring if he fired me, but then I remembered Rin; I shut up and walked more quickly.
I was just turning into the twisting corridor that led to the tower stairs, when I heard my name being called.
"Miku? Miku, are you here?" I immediately recognised Len's voice,
"Len! I'm here!" I yelled back, and a few seconds later Len came racing round the corner and barrelled into me. He caught hold of me just in time,
"Woops! Sorry, Miku!" He apologised, but his eyes were still glinting with happiness, "You'll never guess what's happened!"
"W-What?" I asked, slightly bewildered. Len was literally shaking with what must have been excitement. He grinned at me,
"It's Rin; she woke up!" I gasped,
"Really?"
"Yeah! Come on!" Len grabbed my arm but I winced, for that was where Kaito had grabbed me ten minutes or so before. Len stopped pulling, but kept his hand on my elbow, "What's wrong, Miku?" I forced a smile onto my face,
"I-It's nothing. Let's go!"
Len smiled, and we both ran down the corridor, reaching the stairs in record speed. He held out his hand to me, "After you, m'lady," He spoke in a heavy British accent. I laughed,
"Why thank you, good sir,"
We half stumbled, half ran, laughing up the stairs until we reached the top. We both paused for breath, panting heavily. I leaned against the wall, trying to get my breath back.
"Woah, I won't be doing that again any time soon," Len panted. I mumbled in agreement. Len looked at me, "You ready?"
I nodded, and clutching the handle, I flung open the door,
"Rin!" I shouted. She sat in her bed, propped up by numerous cushions and pillows. She was still clad in her night gown, and attached to the IV drip, but she looked noticeably better than before. She looked at me blankly,
"Miku," She said, softly, but without emotion. I let out a joyful sigh of relief and felt happy tears begin to fall. I swear I cried more in those four weeks than I had at any other time in my life. I ran over to her and wrapped my arms carefully around her, pulling her head against me. I felt Rin stiffen but she didn't protest.
When I pulled back, I looked her in her icy blue eyes and told her, "I'm glad you're awake, Rin-Rin," She stared at me emotionlessly for a minute and then-
"Thanks, Miku-Miku," She murmured and, guessing this was her strange attempt at humour, I laughed appreciatively. She remained silent, unmoving, but I saw one corner of her mouth twitch, slightly. Len too, was chuckling away in the corner,
"So does that make me Len-Len, Rin-Rin?" He asked, teasingly. Rin's eyes travelled over to Len, but she stayed straight-faced and silent. A small frown temporarily crossed Len's face, but it disappeared as quickly as it had arrived, "Say, Miku, do you fancy taking Rin for a walk around the grounds?" He looked at his watch, "I've got time. I could send for Dr Utane to come and check on Rin, and ask to borrow a wheelchair from the hospital for a while,"
I felt a smile spread across my face, "R-Really?! That would be great! What do you say, Rin?" Rin stared directly into my eyes and spoke quietly and slowly,
"O. Kay." She clipped the words, and I smiled again,
"Alright!" I cheered. Len grinned warmly at my outburst,
"I'll go send for Dr Utane, then,"
"Okay! T-Thanks, Len-Len,"
He gave me a small wink and left the room. I blushed and sighed, still sat on Rin's bed,
"S-So," I began, for some reason feeling shy, "How do you feel now?" Rin gave a tiny –barely there- shrug. I nodded, as if understanding. I suddenly thought of a question, and blurted it out without thinking, "Are you happy, Rin?"
Her head snapped up, and our eyes clashed- turquoise on ice. There was a hint of confusion in her eyes, and I laughed, awkwardly, "W-Well, obviously you can't be that happy, being, er, sick...and all, so just forget-"
"I don't know," The cold voice said. I blinked in surprise and stared at Rin, waiting for her to continue, but she stayed quiet. I frowned, thoughtfully,
"Well, I know what's making you unhappy, but what would make you happy? Is there anything Len and I can do? Something you'd like to do?"
"Smile," She replied, softly. I felt my brows knit together,
"I'm sorry, what?" Rin let out a tiny sigh,
"I'd like...to smile," My mouth opened and closet for a moment, but then a grin spread across my face,
"Then smile!" I told her, cheerfully.
"I...can't," She whispered. I stopped grinning and looked closely at her,
"W-Why not?" Rin closed her eyes, blonde lashes fanning out, and opened them a minute later. For the first time, I saw a hint of sadness in her sky-blue orbs, and she spoke, barely a whisper,
"...I've forgotten how."
DUH DUH DUUUUUUH! So how'd you guys enjoy this chapter? Was it okay? I guess half of it was a bit of a filler, but I hope the insight into some of the servants will prove useful later on in the story :D
I don't know why I just randomly decided to put another Author's Note down here but, Hey, Ho! x3
Isn't Kaito smexy? ;) Now I wish this was a Miku x Kaito fic! D:
Rin: -_-
Waaah! Sorry, Rin, I didn't mean it, I swear! Oh, oh! I saw this on a few of Naty17's fics (check them out, dude) and I thought I might give it a try, and see if it gets any response. So...
Question of the Chapter: What will Miku do to help Rin smile?
Bit of a tricky one, eh? Anyways, I'll see you guys later! Hope you enjoyed!~
