Chapter 10: Let the Games Begin

"That hurts!" I whine out in pain, as I begin to squirm some more as Sakurai's elder sister begins to make adjustments to my dress. Apparently his sister was the one who had supplied us with the costumes. She had hand made everything on my body to use Sakurai and myself as models for her designs in a portfolio for a prestigious costume designing institute in America.

Apparently as well, the whole idea of the costumes had been purely her own thoughts. But something told me that Sakurai had something do with it as well.

"I'm surprised you got through the hair and make-up," she jokes, her voice a bit awkward and slurred as she tries to talk with a safety pin clamped in between her teeth.

Ah, yes. The hair and make-up. I wasn't used to getting my straight hair turned into something completely different. Sakurai's sister had curled my raven hair down my back, in large, thick curls. The hair by my face she had proceeded to curl from the root of my hair, framing my face delicately as they lay adjacent by small, pale face. It was scary to see myself that way. So different, yet radiant. Not to mention a giant hot roller was nearly inches away from my eye. Then there was the make-up. Layer after layer she kept on making me even more paler, if that was even possible. And then she placed loads of pink, bright blush on the apples of my cheeks, making swift, round circles for a good five minutes. And then on my lips she gave me a dazzling, vibrant red lipstick, yet she didn't fully apply it on my lips. She instead smeared the lipstick in the middle of my lips, making a red heart in the middle, giving the illusion that my lips were very small and pursed. And lastly, I wasn't sure what she did with my eyes, but the next time I opened them they looked twice as wide and twice as blue and depressing from before.

Now here I was, locked in Touou's girls' changing room as Sakurai's sister continued to readjust my dress. Apparently Sakurai had flattered myself when he guessed the bust and waist size to his sister for my dress. When I placed it on over my head, It was like wearing Taiga's sweater all over again. Everything twice the size than it should've been. Now here she was, quickly cutting and pinning as she tries to fix her masterpiece.

After a few more wincing and growls of frustration, she finally gives me a once over before nodding her head, signalling that I could look in the mirror. Jumping off of the bench, I hold up my dress in my hands as I quickly scamper towards the nearby mirror, my bare feet making small noises as I run across the change room.

Stopping in front of the mirror, I find myself completely stunned. Slowly I let my dress fall from my grasp, letting it pool softly and crisply around my feet, hiding the small toes. The dress was…beautiful. It was a long, crimson and black coloured Victorian dress. One you would see back in the medieval times worn by high-class women. The dress fit snugly around my bust and waist, and then flowing outwards in ruffles as it travelled further down south, a long train in the back. The colour starting from a deep crimson and then becoming lost in a deep black. It was a low cut in the front, revealing much of my chest. But it was no problem for me, seeing as how the black lace in front of the dress hid my white skin, the contrast of the black and ivory catching anyone's eye. The sleeves were long, sprouting out at my wrists in black lace.

It was beautiful. I was beautiful. The make-up, the dress. I really did look a doll. The type your grandmother would give you from a young age, from when she had the large, oversized sized doll with beautiful curls, wide eyes and rosy cheeks. And that beautiful, yet ugly now, satin maroon dress.

Twirling around, my dress flows around me, coming to a halt as I stop to once again admire my reflection.

"Not trying to sound over-confident or biased, but I think you and my brother will win the-"

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I yell happily, as I jump joyfully onto Sakurai's sister. She stumbles back, but not before patting my back and pulling me away. I could tell she didn't want to ruin my hair or make-up.

"Here, where these black boots," she orders quickly, as she pulls out a pair of black, leather combat boots. Not questioning the fancy shoes, I place them on, tying up the laces. What was the point of wearing such high up boots? They went up to my knees! The dress was long enough to cover my shoes.

"The bottom half of your dress detaches. If you get too hot you can unclip it and make it sort of like a burlesque outfit," she states, as she crouches down to lace up my other boot.

"I-I don't think that's school appropriate," I mutter sarcastically.

"Please. I saw this one girl walking around as a cliché slutty nurse. She's got a pool of men trailing behind her. Now you on the other hand, you get to look like a real lady but still get to look sexy as hell," she muses out loud, as she helps me stand up, while for the final time making sure everything was clipped, zipped and set into place.

"The real challenge is, do you think you can play the character?" she asks, as she begins to push me towards the door.

"I'm a doll, right?"

"Yes. You have to act subtle, quiet, yet in an irresistible, cute way. But you don't want to come off boring and too loud. I know dolls can't talk but we can't exactly have you walking around as a mute. Now we all know Sakurai can't play a high-class socialite, so if he begins to get out of character, tug on him gently and flash him an innocent look. Remember, it's a pair prize. Meaning you two have to act like a pair. Got it?" she quickly lists out as she grabs a small, black hat that oddly enough fits perfectly on the side of my head.

Hesitantly, I nod my head at her sudden blur of words and orders.

"Alright. Any parting words?"

"I-I don't want to do-"

"Too late, honey! Good luck!"

With the small, yet big words of encouragement Sakurai's sister pushes me out of the changing room and into a waiting, yet unknowing Sakurai. Bumping into his chest he grabs me by the shoulders, making sure that both of us didn't fall to the ground in a heap. Wincing, I pull away from Sakurai to get a look at him.

He was dressed in a crisp, old fashioned black suit, a train in the back like the olden times. He wears a crisp, white shirt with the button of the suit buttoned in the middle. Around his neck he wears a bright, crimson coloured tie that matches perfectly with the red in my dress. He wears white gloves with a black, very shiny cane in his right hand. Lastly, a black top hat sits on top of his head as he gives me a wide eyed look.

"What?" we both ask shyly, as we find each other staring at one another with a red, surprised look.

Who knew the shy, overly-apologetic Sakurai could look so handsome and gentleman-like?

"You look…" trails off Sakurai, as I find his eyes beginning to trail further down south. Blushing, I kick his cane out of his grasp and jab the end of it underneath his chin, raising his even redder gaze upwards.

"Don't," I warn darkly, as my eyes narrow menacingly towards him. I watch as he swallows in fear.

"Are you ready?" he asks, as he holds out his hand for me to take.

Good question. Was I? Was I prepared to flaunt around for the day as a porcelain, Victorian doll with the dashing, yet equally as clumsily Sakurai? More importantly, was I ready to face Aomine and Momoi together. Side by side. Fighting against Sakurai and myself for the cash prize? Not to mention that I was stupid enough to invite Taiga. I told Atsushi about my plans for the day, not even bothering to ask him if he wanted to come and check it out. Atsushi had told me many times that he had no business going to schools which were anything but his own. His love and respect for Yosen High sometimes went over the boundaries. As for Taiga, he had agreed whole-heartedly and had even asked if it was okay if he brought along his team from Seirin. I told him why not, considering that it was a Halloween Festival hosted by Touou for the public. But I was now worried about being caught seen like this.

After all the planning, make-up and whimpering as a pin repeatedly stabbed my skin, I think I was ready. Ready to spend my day with Sakurai by my side.

Placing my hand firmly in Sakurai's grasp, I use my other hand to grab the side of my dress, pulling it outwards as I bow gracefully towards my "husband" for the day, Sakurai.

"As you wish, my dear," I say softly and quietly, as I look up at him underneath my long, thick lashes. Sakurai blushes helplessly, coughing to the side as he pulls me closely beside him. I cling onto his arm, holding it with both of my hands as I lean my head on his shoulder, embracing this memory. This moment to come.

We walk down the hall side by side, Sakurai actually sticking to his character as he takes off his hat and holds it against his chest as he curtly winks and nods towards passing girls. A certain type of lean and pompous, overly-confident walk as he uses his handy cane to add effect that he was some type of hot shot that no one else could be besides himself. Meanwhile I cling helplessly to his arm, being dragged around by him as I either keep my gaze strictly and unfazed to what is in front of me or on Sakurai's face, showing that I only had "eyes for him". That I was under his control. A mere puppet to his rich, conniving fingers.

As we walk down the corridor, many people stop to stare at us, a lot grow uneasy by our beautiful, yet hauntingly true and scary characters as we pass by them. With me not speaking, smiling, nor rarely blinking. Sometimes I would stop Sakurai to stare at a couple or individual, my gaze transfixed and unwavering as I stare at them, my eyes wide and perceptive. While for effect, Sakurai beside me would ask what I saw, while gently stroking my hair as he tries to get an answer from the mute, small doll before him.

And then suddenly, I would raise my hand, pointing towards the couple as I begin to blink rapidly, my hand outstretched as I try to reach a hold of them. To play with them. To make them mine.

"Death", was I what I began to chant, over and over again, my voice subtly and eerie. Before we knew it the couple would run off and as I turned to stare at those behind us, they'd immediately run away spooked. It got to the point where word had travelled about the "soulless doll" and "egotistical socialite", that eventually led to people steering away from Sakurai and I altogether.

Sakurai and I walk towards the gymnasium, where he had mentioned when we were alone, seeing as how everyone avoided us, that the team mates wanted to check out everyone's costumes.

We walk into the gym to find everyone already present, chattering and laughing amongst themselves as they talk about the food, games and most definitely costumes.

Taking a deep breath, I remind myself to stay in character. I couldn't break when we were doing such a good job. As Sakurai had mentioned yesterday over the phone, the only way we vould win votes was by staying in character, because the votes ultimately came from guests as they exited the school, placing their slips of what costumes of those participating they liked the best. And that was another thing. If you wanted people voting for you, you and your partner had to make sure that your faces were around the school, meaning making rounds and not taking breaks if you wanted guests to remember your face and costume; ultimately place a ballot in your favour for them.

Taking another deep breath, I hold onto Sakurai's arm tighter, hoping that we'd both manage to stay in character.

"Eh, Sakurai!" calls out a tall man, his hair a dark, almost black brown. He calls over Sakurai as he pushes up his glasses. We both stop in our tracks to take notice as to what he was wearing. He was…no, why was he…?

No…the whole team were…firemen. Looking around panicked, my suspicions were true when the whole team came into my view. It was true. They were all firemen. The concept of it all made sense, seeing as how they were a team and they were all incredibly muscular and attractive. But what I didn't understand was why they only wore the bottoms, with red suspenders strapped on their bare shoulders and red, shiny boots to match. Some of them even wore a red or black fire hat, but what I didn't understand was why none of them were wearing shirts?!

And most importantly, how come Sakurai wasn't in on this costume idea?

"C-Captain!" yells out a hesitant Sakurai, as he begins to revert back to himself and walk shakily towards Touou's captain. He let's go of my grasp, greeting his team mates while I'm left to stand alone. That's right. This wasn't Yosen. This wasn't my school. I didn't fit with these people.

Looking further around the room, my gaze takes a hold of it's own as I begin to unconsciously search for Aomine. And when I do, I have to run out of the gym in a severe panic attack. He…he was a firefighter as well. Yet the only thing different was that he held an axe in his hand, making him even more…attractive. His upper torso, his chest, it was so defined and well crafted. His dark skin a beautiful contrast against the ruby red suspenders. That annoyed, yet care-free scowl on his face as he was talking to…who was he talk-

Yelping, a group of people walking by as they jump at my voice, quickly scampering away. Crouching down, I hold my mouth covered as I remember what I had seen Momoi wearing in the amidst of running out. She…she was a firefighter as well, but not in the revealing kind. She actually wore the uniform properly, and did she look exceptional in it. She could pull anything off.

Mumbling to myself in the corner, I wasn't sure if I could handle the both- Wait, what I was saying? Why am I still hung up on Aomine? He was the one who rejected me after all and he did tell me last night that he was going to confess to her. So, did he do it yet? Maybe he did and they're an official couple now…

Almost smiling at myself, I couldn't believe how shallow and pathetic I was being. Aomine deserved happiness. Who was I to ruin it by making things awkward for the three of us?

Suddenly finding a new heart and strong courage to go along, I stand up from my crouched position and get back into my character. Nothing would break me. Not Sakurai's out of character personality, Aomine's Godly-made body and certainly not the sight of him and Momoi hand in hand.

Taking one last deep breath, I push open the doors with all my might, causing a loud, shuddering noise as I make a dramatic appearance.

Standing now in the gym with all eyes on me, I search for Sakurai who stands by Aomine, his hand on top of the frightened boy's head.

Taking my time I quietly and in a fluid motion walk towards Sakurai, looping my hand delicately around his where I then stare up softly at him.

"Sakurai-kun, who…who's your partner?" asks a cautious, yet envious Momoi as she clings to Aomine in slight fear.

For a fraction of a second, I let my gaze wander around the room, catching everyone's faces as they finally notice my costume. Their faces are all glued to Sakurai and I, their faces filled with awe and admiration as they stare deeply at my revealing, yet long, crimson dress and small, doll-like features. I flash them a small, alluring wink as they all begin to suddenly choke on the air around them. Turning back around I lean my head on my loving husband, beginning to talk. I mould my voice into a low, raspy, yet seductive whisper.

"Sweetheart. Please, introduce…us," I command slowly.

Sakurai looks down at me, his face red like everyone else's. I squeeze his arm tightly, earning a slight yelp from his lips. I nuzzle my head snugly onto his chest now, hugging the side of his torso. He hesitantly wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me deeper into him.

"Everyone, this is my wife…and prize of a gem, Miss Hayashi," he introduces, as he takes a step back for me to bow in front of everyone.

Glancing up at Aomine, I find that his face is the reddest of them all. He stares at me, his face clearly in a stupor at my sudden transformation.

"It's a pleasure…to meet all of you. My dearest husband…thank you for taking care of him," I respond sweetly, as I flash them all a sincere, loving smile. Once again they begin to choke at my steely gaze.

"T-Tora?" mutters a confused, stolen hearted Aomine as he peers down at me.

"Eh? You mean that's Tora-chan?!" yells a shocked Momoi, as she points towards me as the realization slowly makes it's way up to her soft features.

Out of the corner of my eye I watch as Aomine begins to outstretch his hand, as if wanting to lay his hand on my head for confirmation. To feel my silk like hair between his fingers, the heat radiating off of me to confirm that I was the girl who he had said no to.

Taking a step back I push Sakurai in front of me, cowering behind him as I clench the fabric of his suit in my grasp.

"T-Tora, what's-"

"Miss Hayashi only let's one person touch her…and that is…her husband, Sakurai-sama!" I yell out in embarrassment, as I hold on tighter to Sakurai. Suddenly the gymnasium grows silent, the only thing heard was Sakurai's loud breathing. And then the gym is filled with clapping as everyone begins to applaud our little performance. I had even failed to realized that a group had made it's way into the gym to watch the little show. After the applause came laughter as everyone realized what I had just said. Including myself. Groaning, I hide my face deeper into Sakurai's back. That was so embarrassing.

Sakurai pulls me out from behind him, placing me beside his side as he tells me that I can break character now.

Profusely shaking my head, I whisper into his ear that I just couldn't.

"Oi, Tora!" I hear Aomine yell out, when I was right in front of him.

Looking at him, he begins to nod his head, as if he wanted me to come closer towards him. Shaking my head again, I revert back to whispering in a hush tone to Sakurai, but Aomine calls my name again.

Looking again, I find that he's walking towards me, as he tells me that he wants to get a "better look". Whatever that meant.

"S-Stupid man! Did you not hear Miss Hayashi the first time?" I ask flustered, as I begin to take hesitant steps backwards, almost tripping over my long dress.

A small smirk overcomes Aomine's lips as he holds his arms outstretched, his muscles everywhere flexing as he did so. I find myself struggling to keep my gaze on his face.

"Come on, I think yer' Sakurai-sama will understand that it'd be okay if I played a little with his one of a kind, Miss Hayashi," he says softly, yet his voice was dripping with sexual intent.

Blushing, I tell him again that nothing could break my character. Not even a stupid dog like him. I watch him wince as I call him that, but that was my character. Loving and caring to my husband yet cold and dark to those who tried to misbehave with my self.

"Seriously, Tora. Just come-"

"Tora!" yells out a familiar, happy voice. Snapping my head to my side, I find a casual dressed Taiga along with a large group of males and one small, yet beautiful girl with them as well. That had to be the team of Seirin.

Overjoyed that he had came with everyone, I instantly break character and find myself holding up my dress as I sprint across the vast gym, jumping in Taiga's arms as I wrap my legs around his torso. He at first struggles to hold me up, but he finds that I can keep myself up by wrapping my hands tightly around his neck. But then his hands lay awkwardly by his side, so he finally decides to place them on my hips, pulling me gently off of him.

"Neh, how do I look, Taiga?" I ask happily, as I hold his hand above my head as he twirls me around. A small, flustered smile tells me everything.

"You look-"

"The hell was that? Like a dog in heat humping it's masters leg," mutters Aomine as he gives me a cold look, brushing past the team of Seirin as Momoi runs, calling out his name.

Staring off at the two, I find myself hurt by his words. His insult.

Taking a step back out of embarrassment, I realize that I had been out of line until someone grabs my hand, pulling me back. Much to my surprise, it's not Taiga.

"K-Kuro-"

"You have my vote," he states, as bows kindly before me. Smiling in response, I do the same.

After greeting the Seirin team, It was decided that Taiga and his friends would check everything out and then get back to me within an hour to meet up with Sakurai and myself. By now, it was almost 5 PM, the voting and festival closed in 3 hours. We had 3 hours left to try and reel in more votes.

Walking alongside Sakurai, I begin to complain that I was growing tired by wearing what had to be the 10 pound dress. Clinging onto his arm, he basically drags me along the corridor, making for a scary picture.

"M-My sister gave us secondary costumes. In case we wanted to switch for something different," he mentions, as he leads us both towards the changing rooms.

"Whaaa? Why are you telling me now?" I moan in response.

"S-Sorry, I didn't think you'd like the other-"

"Please…the doll was exciting at first, but I can't remain quiet for-"

"Alright. Stay out here while I grab your costume," he says quickly, as he leaves me standing upright as he runs into the changing room. Without Sakurai's support, I shrug to the floor as I wait for him to pick me back up.

Closing my eyes in bliss, I begin to contemplate whether or not to fall asleep out here.

"Did someone break the doll?" asks a familiar voice, as I feel them grab my arm, helping me stand.

"S-Shouldn't you be with your girl-"

"I am, right now," says Aomine slyly, as he nods towards me. Looking around, I notice that it was just us two in the hall. No Momoi around to be seen. Realizing what he meant, I push him away as I find myself running in panic into the boys' changing room. G'ah, what was wrong with him? So playful and flirty when we were alone and then as soon a Taiga comes, the jealousy bites him in the ass and the next thing I know is that all I want to do is cry!

"T-Tora!" yells a flustered Sakurai, as he notices that I was in the boys' changing room. Muttering a few incoherent words, I snatch my costume from his hand where I run back to the girls' changing room. I find Aomine still in the hall, leaning against the wall with his toned, tanned arms crossed over his bare chest as he grins at me. "Need help getting dressed?"

Ignoring him, I practically ram my body into the door out of fury and in embarrassment. Quickly stripping out of my dress, I place on whatever Sakurai had given to me, not paying much attention as to what the new costume design was. Since my large curls had died by now, I tie my wavy hair high into a messy pony tail, clipping my uncombed bangs on top of my head. Sighing, I neatly pack up the dress and accessories and then find myself walking out of the changing room to find an already dressed Sakurai. His costume wasn't much different than before. He still wore white gloves with a dashing black suit. But his suit had been much more modernized to our times.

"W-What're-"

"I-I am a servant and you're a maid. For this we don't have to be partners. Basically you and I have to cater to the needs of the opposite gender."

"I'm not a-"

Aomine beside us begins to laugh as he holds his side, pointing directly at me. What was-

Looking down at my outfit, I find myself dressed up as none other than a maid. The dress was short, very short and very much revealing. It wasn't your standard black and white laced dress. Instead, the outfit was a Tiger print! A large, black ribbon was synched around my waist, tying delicately behind me in a large bow. The top half of the dress was tight, like a corset. It had no sleeves yet I wore black cuffs in the middle of my shoulder and elbow. The dress then flowed outwards at the bottom, stopping a bit ways past my rear. I wore black shoes, with long black socks stopping in the middle of my thighs.

I watch as Aomine begins to stare specifically at the top of my head. Feeling my pony tail, my hand bumps into two, very distinct fur-like ears. Taking the head band off, I find that it was matching, tiger-like ears.

Placing them gloomily back onto my head, I begin to shake Sakurai.

"W-Why-"

"Sorry, you'll have to talk to my sister. Oh, and the rules are…that…that you can only cater to those that ask and you have to stay by their side until they ask you-"

"N-No way!"

"Sorry, Tora. Just remember the money!" he yells out, as he begins to clumsily, almost in fear, run away from me.

This…was so humiliating. Suddenly someone slings their heavy arm around my bare shoulders, pulling me into them.

"I think yer' sexy as fu-"

Kicking Aomine away, I begin to scream at him in embarrassment.

"Hey, hey, lil' tiger. If I heard Sakurai's rules, you have to be mine until I bid you-"

"A-As-"

Aomine grabs my wrists, pushing me up against the wall as he pins my hands up above my head. He leans in, his hot breath tickling the nape of my neck as he begins to whisper. "I…Satsuki said no…" he trails off.

My heart flutters deep into my chest, half because of the breath on my neck and half because of what he said. So, Momoi didn't return his feelings?

Craning to see his face, I gently nudge his cheek with my nose, silently ordering him to look at me. He rests his forehead against mine as he begins to gently stroke my furry ears.

"It's fine. I've realized that it's you who I want," he says suddenly, as he begins to lean in dangerously close.

My heart flutters, but for all the wrong reasons this time. Kicking him in between the legs, he holds his manhood as he falls to his knees.

"THE HELL'S WRONG-"

"NO!" I yell out angrily.

He suddenly stops his moaning as he looks up at me, a shocked expression on his face. "T-Tor-"

"I'm fine if you insult me, tell me that I'm not your type, make fun of me like you did in front of Taiga and his friends! But I refuse to be somebody's second choice, somebody's safety net. If you really liked me then I would've came first. You're just jealous, Aomine. You want me because of what you see between Taiga and I! You're jealous, not in love. So stop. Stop treating me like some sort of toy that you can dump in the bin when you're done and then come back to when you're bored. Because I sure as hell don't deser-"

"F-Fine! Hate me! Kick me again for all I care. I don't give a damn about what you think right now. I'll…I'll make you fall in…in…" Aomine looks down in embarrassment as he struggles to find the right words.

Sighing, I cross my arms over my chest as I begin to walk down the hall by myself.

"A man who can not say he loves, can not love those he says," I tell Aomine, as I throw my hand up in the air, waving goodbye to him. But suddenly my hand is grabbed and placed into something soft and comforting. Aomine's hair.

"I can make you fall in love with me. I don't care if you find someone else. I'll beat their sorry ass to you before them!" he yells out, his face shaking with despair and defeat as he tries desperately to cling onto something that wasn't there. On to something he wanted, yet couldn't have. Something he needed, yet hadn't wanted. Something he loved, yet he had to fight for. I was what Aomine wanted. I was what he needed to love. Yet Aomine couldn't have me because he hadn't wanted me, thus leaving him in a fight for my love and his dignity.

"Well," I whisper softly, as I trail my palm down the side of his face, "let the games begin."

I liked Aomine. If he wanted a chance, I was willing to give it to him. But, I wasn't sure if I loved him. There was so much that I had to learn, to overcome and train. And what about Taiga. Was I leading him on? Did he secretly want me just as badly as Aomine wanted myself? I can't trust Aomine right now about how his true feelings are. I was a still a second choice after all. He needed to prove it. Yet, I already knew that Taiga's love for anything was pure and true. His love for his basketball, his friends, me. Did…did I have to choose? Deep in my mind, I already knew who I wanted by my side as a lover, and who on the other as a friend for life. But, what if I change my mind? Like right now, I found myself in that predicament. The future in my head for myself had two possibilities. Two very different, yet same men. And right now, my second option had suddenly come my first.