Ch. 10 – Dell's Back and Gumi's Scheme
I don't like this other me, 'Bad Len'. He's always trying to get me to do the wrong thing. I've caught myself looking at kitchen knives wondering what it would feel like to slice someone up or dreamed of starting a massive fire that would burn the whole town down.
My heart starts beating really fast whenever I think of doing that stuff. The temptation is so powerful, every day I know pieces of my self-control is dwindling down, and it frightens me terribly. So far it's been about a week since I've worked with Piko and Iroha, and Kaito hasn't given us anything else to do yet. Dense Lily and gullible Rin still haven't figured out anything which leaves me in the clear.
All was well when a certain phone call came in. It was on the house phone and Luka picked it up. She was nibbling on a cookie when her eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. This interested me since everyone in the whole house knows that Luka rarely gets excited about anything.
When she finished talking on the phone she called me over with a smile on her face. I knew it had to be good news and couldn't wait to hear it. Her hand was on my shoulder as she began to speak.
"Len, guess what? Dell is coming for a visit." Luka said cheerily as I forced myself to smile in agreement.
At any other point in my life I would love the very thought of Dell coming over. I mean, he's like the dad I never had and all that, but now it seems inconvenient. It's been like what, a couple weeks, maybe a month, and he starts to pop his head up now. He hasn't even checked up on me with the daily calls.
"Dell's wanted to give you some space, but now he needs a report from you." Luka said beginning to walk off grabbing some of her files for a big case she has coming up leaving me to think.
He wants a report. Oh my, gosh, Dell is a freaking lie detector. He'll totally know the serious crap I've gotten myself into. Inwardly groaning I headed up to my room when bumping into someone. So many people live in this house. I apologized when that said someone held onto me with a death grip.
I looked down only to wish my eyes did not see what I saw. Gumi was all up on me burying her head in my chest. I thought Rin had gotten rid of her when she pulled Gumi by the hair. Pushing her away, or prying her off me is more like it she gave me a disappointed look.
"Gumi, I thought I told you I like Rin. Not you. Give up." I said sternly rolling my eyes.
"No, I won't give up on you Len. I truly love you, but all you see is Rin. Can't you see she's using you?" Gumi said angrily frowning deeply at me.
"I don't care if she is or not, it doesn't change the fact that I'll never get with you." I could see her hold back tears forming in her eyes.
"You just wait Len. I know you and I are meant to be. So far you've been careful lately, like you're keeping a secret. If I find out what it is you'll definitely bow down at my feet." She threatened as I walked passed her ignoring what she said.
I was pretty sure that Gumi would never figure out what I've been doing. She was just stupid. What I needed to do now was think of ways to lie to Dell. He was a real problem if he knew what I was up to when I should be acting like the model son.
Rinta was in my room reading through my manga. On the floor was Rin listening to her Ipod. Both glanced at me before returning to what they were doing. I don't get why people find my room the hangout spot. I went to my desk to start on some homework when Rin, with her eyes closed and in a comfortable position, asked me a question that made my heart race.
"So, Miku tells me that you threatened Mikuo and her." Rin's words made me tense.
"Mikuo told her what you said, and now they don't talk to me anymore." She was sitting up now, but her back was facing me.
Rinta had took this as a sign to get out of the room sneaking out the door with a bunch of manga he still hadn't read yet.
"Said that you called Miku a bitch." I gulped now, my hands shaking slightly, I didn't know how to answer her.
"You didn't say that right; because I know Len is a kind person, but Miku's not one to lie either." She turned to me with an emotionless face.
Suddenly it happened again, my body being possessed by 'Bad Len'. Really I tried to fight him off, but it was no use. He had the control. Rin didn't seem to notice the change. I could tell my azure eyes were narrowed a bit, looking colder than usual.
"I'm so sorry Rin. I can't lie to you so I'll tell you the truth. Yes I said those cruel things, but it was because I was jealous." 'Bad Len' was amazing; he pretended to be me without a hitch.
The sincerity in his voice, and worried looking eyes, guilty face, and slumped shoulders gave off the impression that I was actually sorry. Deep down though I knew he was laughing. He could give a damn about the Hatsunes, but fooling people was becoming a hobby for him.
"I was being possessive, you know Mikuo likes you and we're dating in secret. I just – I couldn't bear to see him try to get you any longer." He was selling it like a pro not caring about any consequence that could follow.
Who doesn't love it when their boyfriends are acting jealous and possessive? It's always used in shojo manga. By the looks of it Rin was completely buying it. Making sure he had gotten her sympathy he added the finishing touches. Tears, yes Bad Len was crying.
"I'm – hic, so sorry Rin, please – sniff – forgive me." He wiped the tears off my face trembling to make it seem like what he said affected him so much.
"Len, I didn't know that's how you feel, but that doesn't excuse your actions." Rin tried to act unaffected standing up nearing me.
"Remember Rin, I'm an adopted kid. I've been through some severe shit to make me this way. I didn't talk at first and didn't touch people."
"Well Mom and Dad never told me what was wrong. They just said to wait until you're ready to open up."
"That's why I shooed Mikuo and Miku away. I couldn't share the bit of peace I finally got since I moved in here." That struck Rin hard.
"I mean the people, my parents, who I trusted the most, betrayed me. How can I be sure that you or the others won't do the same?" He looked at her which caused her to avert her eyes.
Silence had taken over Rin as Bad Len continued to say things from my past. How at first my parents were like any other than changed drastically. The pain in her eyes was evident as he moved closer to her so they were only inches apart.
"I won't ever hurt you Len. I couldn't even bear to even think about harming you. I love you." Rin was crying too, for me and what I've been through, though I wouldn't have told her things like that if Bad Len hadn't taken over.
She paused for a second in her tears wrapping her arms around me. Bad Len had taken that time to squeeze out more tears. I could tell he turned my face into that of a scared little boy who shamed his mother. It was finally enough for Rin to let the whole thing go.
Once she did that I gained control of my body again. Rin went back to listening to music, but told me to lay off the Hatsune siblings telling me that they could converse with us. I was only half listening though because I was freaking out. If Bad Len could take over just like that something horrible was bound to happen.
At school everyone was forced to head to the auditorium for a mandatory meeting. No one knew what it was about and there wasn't anything in the calendar saying we had an assembly today. As we walked down the hallway I couldn't help, but eye Teto. I mean if you found out about your girlfriend slash sister's friend was selling her body you'd be wondering too.
The bubbly redhead happily giggled with Rin and Meiko not realizing I was watching her. It didn't make sense to me how a jolly girl like her could enter into such an industry. So focused into Teto I had bumped into someone. It was Kaiko who'd almost fallen if I hadn't caught her in time.
She apologized before looking up and seeing my face. Immediately she turned the color of a tomato, stiffening instantly, and apparently scared to death. Well I knew she had a crush on me, but I never knew she was the type to freeze up when she was near the one she liked.
Smirking at her shyness that only made her face redder I straightened her up. Again she thanked me looking at the ground shivering terribly. She was so cute acting this way I simply had to laugh. I didn't know some people had stopped to watch us curiously.
"Look, isn't that Kaiko Shion and Len Megurine?"
"Oh my, gosh, they look good together."
"Did you hear his wonderful laugh? I think I died."
My face morphed into that of a killer as I glared at the students who thought that, making them run away. Kaiko hadn't heard them as she was caught up staring at me dreamily. Sighing, knowing she was in some type of trance I took her hand in mine to drag her off to the auditorium.
When Kaiko and I arrived the place was packed and there were no seats available where our friends were. That left me sitting with her in the back. She blushed silly once she figured out that we were holding hands. Quickly she ripped away looking nervous. I could feel someone's hate aura encircling me and when I looked around to see who it was I nearly jumped out of my skin.
Rin was glowering at me like a mad man. Shaking I turned my head to the other side only to see Kaiko's brothers glaring at me for being next to their sister, so overprotective they are. Then I felt Mikuo glaring at me as well. Jeez, I was on everyone death list.
The teachers began to quiet us down because someone was going to speak. And guess who was speaking. None other than Ruko and some woman next to her with long silver hair tied into a ponytail that resembled Dell a lot.
"Good morning everyone, my name is Officer Ruko and this is my partner Haku Yowane." Ruko said smiling at the faces staring at her.
"Now I bet you're wondering why we're here. Well, if you hadn't heard there was a boy who was jumped a few days ago. He was a former member of this Novis gang." When she said that murmuring was heard throughout the place, but all the Novis members including me kept silent.
"Yes, I know it's awful. When we tried to get information from this lad on who did this to him and what did they look like he couldn't say. He kept this valuable information to himself because he was too afraid. I urge you if you have any information on this gang please let the police department know."
I leaned back in my seat looking back at Kaito. He was smirking, so evil in his appearance he looked, and no one saw this but me. Really I know in a crowd this huge it's hard to notice anything, but this guy was looking like the devil. Did anything faze Kaito?
"I can't believe this nasty Novis gang is terrorizing the town like this." Kaiko whispered to me.
"They don't really do much terrorizing though, only beating up people who cross them." I tried to defend my gang yet Kaiko was the type who hated all violence.
"Len, how could you think that? It's proof that gangs are all bad and shouldn't exist." What Kaiko said kind of hurt, but it would hurt her even more if she'd find out her brothers ran it.
"You're right Kaiko, it shouldn't exist."
When the assembly was over it was time for lunch. I exited through the doors going to the vending machines to get a drink when I was pulled by my collar into the boys' bathroom. I was thrown to the ground and heard the clicking of the door being locked.
I looked up at my surprise attack to see Mikuo hovering above me. He cut his eyes at me frowning intensely as I tried to get up. His foot landed on my stomach to pin me down, the weight of his body all going to his one foot so I squirmed in pain.
"Len, I may have been scared the first time but not now. I won't stand for being threatened or Miku being called a name. I especially won't let Rin be deceived by you." Mikuo said icily as I stared up at him.
"Mikuo, Rin told you I was sorry didn't she?" I barely said feeling my lungs getting crushed.
"Rin did tell me that you were possessive because you're a stupid adopted kid. I don't care what your problems were like in the past you're fucking dangerous. How could Kaito let you in the gang?" He said through clenched teeth. Oh yeah, Mikuo was in the gang too.
"Kaito let me in because he knows I'm better than your ass. Rin also chose me over you too." Oh no I was talking like Bad Len.
"Shut up you bastard! Am I the only one who knows how messed up in the head you are?" He pressed his foot on my stomach more.
I gasped for breath desperately. My insides were burning. He grinned at my agony when I began to whimper. That was it. I was going to have to teach Mikuo a lesson. I pretended to pass out making Mikuo remove his foot. He was chuckling at me thinking I had fainted from lack of oxygen.
Then I kicked his ankle so he fell to the ground. When he landed I rolled on top of him punching him in his face. He head butted me so I was on my back and he was pinning me down. I felt his hands on my neck choking the shit out of me.
I struggled before kneeing him in the groin. He screamed holding his junk while I coughed. I tackled him, effectively hitting his head on the floor. Then I grabbed him by the hair to drag him to the sink so I could bang his head on it, but before I could he elbowed me.
Get ready to rumble.
"So, you guys were playing around a little too rough and beat the hell out of each other?" Taito asked bandaging us up in the infirmary.
We both nodded giving each other dirty looks. Rin and Miku were standing in front of us not looking pleased at all. Miku looked rather disappointed in her brother while Rin was about ready to beat me up herself. Mikuo hissed as Taito applied the alcohol as I observed my banana band aids.
"Mikuo how did you get that bite mark?" Miku asked in her sweet natured voice worriedly looking at Mikuo's arm.
"Ask the dog over there." Mikuo glanced at me and I bared my teeth like a pit-bull.
Rin smacked me on the head hard. I winced knowing there was a bump on there as Rin went on at how stupid the both of us were. Mikuo apologized giving the puppy dog look to my girlfriend. Ugh, this guy. I also apologized rolling my eyes in the process which earned another smack on the head.
"Len, how the hell did you get these marks on your neck?" Rin asked checking out my choke marks.
"You're looking at the human noose over there." I glanced at Mikuo who stuck out his tongue.
Taito looked amused by our squabble as he packed up his first aid kit. The door opened revealing Kaito who smiled cheerfully. Rin ran up to him to give him a hug. He pat her head then looked at Mikuo and I. Out of nowhere he pushed Rin outside and threw Miku out with her into the hallway.
"I must have a boy chat with them." Kaito said shutting the door.
He turned to us semi glaring. Then his own eyes mirrored Taito's seeing our bruises. I don't know what was up with the ice cream freak, but he had a fascination with physically hurt people. I mean the guy just loves to stare at Taito's bandaged self.
"Mikuo, Len, how does one break the boys' bathroom on the second floor." He said looking up at the ceiling.
"Sorry Kaito." We said more genuinely than with our sisters.
"I'll admit you guys are fierce so I'll let it slide. Oh and Len, touch Kaiko and you die." With that he plastered on a friendly face and left.
"You like Kaiko?" Taito asked interested since Kaiko was his little sister too.
"Misunderstanding." I said getting up to leave.
"Why don't you date Kaiko so you're not all over Rin?" Mikuo suggested getting up.
"Even if I did date someone else Rin's not studying your ass." I said walking off.
Dell came into the house smiling. Everyone greeted him and he introduced himself to Gumi, Rinta, and Leon. I tried to act cool, but I knew it was only a matter of time before Dell thought something was up with me. Luka had made snacks with tea and placed them in the living room.
Dell sat down on the couch with me beside him as the family decided to go out so we could have alone time. Gakupo was certain I would say how awesome the family's been. They went out to dinner promising to bring the leftovers. Even Gumi was dragged along although she wanted to spy on me like the stalker she is.
Soon the house was empty leaving only my supervisor and me. We ate the snacks watching TV before he chose to get down to business. My sheer willpower helped me from not throwing up and trembling. Luckily he didn't see this.
"Len, aren't you going to tell me about the wonderful times here?" He asked taking out a cigarette ready to smoke.
"It's good. I made some friends." I said disregarding the enemies I made as well.
"Who are your friends?" He asked taking a puff of the long white stick.
"Kaito, Akaito, Nigaito, Piko, Rinta, Iroha, and Leon." I stated feeling my mouth become dry.
"What about that Rin girl you've grown so attached to?" The smoke that came out of his mouth looked like a heart.
"Oh, we're dating in secret." I slapped my hand over my mouth shocked at what came out.
This made Dell's eyes widen turning to me. His cigarette loosely hung in between his lips as I blushed in embarrassment. I had expected him to tell me I should end it because she's supposed to be my sister, but instead a sly grin came across his face.
"Well, well, well Len is growing up. How far did you get with her?" He seemed to act like a proud father or interested guy friend.
I was floored. How was I going to answer this? It took all my power not to bite my lip. Then like a mysterious savior Bad Len was telling me all the things I should say.
I don't kiss and tell Dell. If I did Rin would kill me.
"I don't kiss and tell Dell. If I did Rin would kill me." I repeated in the same sneaky voice Bad Len did.
"What a gentleman we have here. No wonder you didn't call, too busy with Rin." Dell said winking.
Well I am kind of a ladies' man myself.
"Well I am kind of a ladies' man myself." I repeated again stopping to actually realize what I just said.
"Really, Len who's heart have you stolen?" Dell asked leaning in.
"Well, besides Rin, Kaito's sister Kaiko and the maid Gumi." I answered scratching my cheek.
"Wow, even the maid has the hots for you. Must be a pity being caught up in a love triangle at home, huh." Dell sat back leisurely finishing off his cigarette.
"So, when will I see you again?" I asked hoping I'll be more prepared that time.
"Next week, this same day. It's going to be a daily routine from now on until the end of this year. After that you'll be officially apart of the family and never have to see me again." He said putting out his cigarette butt in the ash tray.
"I don't want you to leave." I muttered under my breath and he petted my head tenderly.
"If you miss me so much stop by, ok." He smiled and I nodded.
The next few days went well without Mikuo and me attacking each other or Kaito giving me missions. It all seemed well until Gumi came by holding an article of clothing in her hands. I had come back from going on a date with Rin to the mall when she entered my room at night.
Everyone else was asleep, with Rin in her own room seeing as Rinta was spending a night again in my room. She gestured for me to go somewhere more private which I complied leaving my comfy bed with Rinta in it. We went in the living room sitting down on the couch.
I had made a promise with myself that if Gumi tried one more thing I would slap her good on the face, the only exception for me hitting a girl. She had a devious look on her face as she threw the article of clothing at me. Looking at it carefully I couldn't breathe. She found my Novis jacket.
"Lenny, tell me why a good boy like you is in a gang that Lily doesn't tolerate?" Gumi asked merrily smirking at my discomfort.
"How did you get this?" I glared at her ready to break her neck in half.
"Oh, I'm the maid silly. I clean in every room including yours." She crossed her legs and flipped her hair back over her shoulders like she was victorious.
"What do you want so I can keep you quiet?" I asked clenching my hands into tight fists.
She placed her index finger on her chin as if in thought when I already knew the answer. Her green eyes drifted back to me as she licked her lips. The action made me shudder. Sighing I tried to think of ways to kill this bitch before anyone found out my secret.
"Lenny, if you must know I want you. Forget Rin and choose me, and your perfect life is saved. I mean won't you go back to the orphanage if you confess to your crimes?" She laughed standing up only to be tackled.
I pinned her down, my hands gripping her shoulders. She flinched at the pain I was causing her. If she thought she could break Rin and I up she had another thing coming. For once I didn't mind Bad Len taking over. He was someone I knew who could put Gumi in her place.
"Listen here Gumi. If you tell the family I'm a part of Novis I'll say you were molesting me behind their backs. Rin can vouch that you forced a kiss on me that one night." Bad Len said wickedly.
She had deer in headlights eyes as she saw the change in my personality. Escaping Bad Len's clutches was hopeless because she couldn't move one muscle. Inside I was laughing joylessly. Bad Len was doing something right for a chance. Gumi was becoming a pest and now she'd have no choice but to obey me.
"Len, you wouldn't dare lie would you? I mean I really like you. Can't you see how you make me so weak?" She had tears run down her eyes as she stared up at me.
"I love you. Since the day you came into the convenience store I knew you were special. Why do you like Rin so much?" She tried to show me all the love she had for me in her eyes.
It was useless though. I knew and Bad Len knew that she couldn't possibly love me. If she did she would have given up a long time ago. It was funny. She had no idea why I considered her not on Rin's level. Maybe if she paid more attention to the foolish things she's doing now she might understand, but that's wishful thinking.
I knew that the Megurines would believe me over Gumi. After all they did adopt me not that green haired psycho. I let Gumi stay around for too long and now it was her time to leave. She was becoming a nuisance with her love.
"If you don't know what I see in Rin now then you never will. So do me a favor and leave me alone or the Megurines will kick you out on the street. You are homeless aren't you?" Bad Len grinned seeing her panicked expression.
She didn't have a place to stay and she didn't have any money. She had nothing. Too bad, Gumi could've been a real scoundrel, but Bad Len was worse than one. He moved off of her grabbing the jacket and heading up the stairs to my room. Gumi's sobs and shaking body was all that was left on the couch.
Aren't you glad you have me Len? I told you I'd help you whenever you needed it.
Thanks, Bad Len.
It was a Sunday morning. The whole family was sleeping in except Gumi. She just stayed cooped up in her room. I guess Bad Len really creeped her out. Ah, well. Rin had pulled me out of bed to watch this movie marathon with her since no one else wanted too.
The only ones up at eight o'clock in the morning were us. I was still drowsy, but every time I closed my eyes Rin would punch me in the gut. Ow, I still had bruises from fighting Mikuo. I forgot to mention that the school called about the fight at Gakupo's work.
You know what that weirdo did? He was all like "Did my boy Len win or lose?" What is up with this family? Did they care about any responsibility or morals? I'm not complaining though since I didn't get grounded for it.
Feeling hungry I went to the kitchen to get a bunch of bananas and oranges for Rin and myself. While at it I texted Iroha if she could beat up Gumi for me when she'd see the green haired girl going to the grocery store later on today. I sent her a picture of what Gumi looked like so she'd know.
Automatically Iroha texted back that she'd take care of it, she didn't like Gumi threatening to tell on a member of Novis. Smiling at that I dropped the fruit on the table when the doorbell rung. I went to go answer it since I was already up anyways.
Opening the door I saw a tall man who probably looked two years older than Lily. He had brown blackish hair and thick eyebrows. His eyes were brown with an orange blackish tint and he had stitches going across his forehead like he was in a fight for his life.
He looked down at me with an apathetic face then smiled friendly. I didn't like this guy already. I could just tell he was trouble. Something told me to shut the door in this guy's face, keep him locked out of the house. He's dangerous.
"Hi there, my name is Big Al."
I hope you liked the chapter so far. And I hope you guys are having a happy holidays. I feel like I was being mean to Gumi making Len want to have Iroha beat her up. Bye