Saturday is here~ And i'm so sleepy~ haha don't stay up late watching ghost shows xP so anyway here's CHAPTER 10! THE HALF-WAY POINT! This is a get-stuff-out-of-the-way chapter lol I'm excited for next chapter, that's when the plot actually starts going again. Yeah, there's a plot, it got lost somewhere in the construction zone. But it has been rescued, yay~ ^^
also, i received a couple comments about Rei's hair and how it was difficult to imagine (i'm so sorry! I don't know how to describe it really T^T) so i will provide assistance(?)
i1100. photobucket. com/albums/g402/ksuga/jackroserei2. jpg (remove spaces) this is Rei's model i re-colored, there is some blonde in the hair
i1100. photobucket. com/albums/g402/ksuga/leemikki. jpg better pic of her hair, it's not exact but it has the same kinda feel to it^^; sorry if i'm no help at all~
anyway please enjoy! and look forward to the next chapter~
Disclaimer: Chapter 1
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I follow Kai like a lost puppy into the café. I can't believe I'm actually eating here with Kai! Where is 'here' anyway? As we pass the entryway I look up to catch a glimpse of the name of this place.
Instant Orange?
What kind of cracked out name is that? Kai steps up to the counter and I stand behind looking at the menu. What should I get? The Java Jelly Juice Jump, or the Mango Marching Melon Masquerade- what the hell? This is food, right? Maybe I should just get whatever Kai manages to pronounce.
"Hello Mr. Hiwatari! The usual?" The teenage girl behind the counter greets him cheerfully. Too cheerfully. If she smiles any wider her face is going to split down the middle. I think she's had one too many Java Jelly Jewish Jalopies or whatever.
Kai nods politely. "Make that two." The cashier punches into the register a little and turns back to Kai. "You're all set! Your order will be right out Mr. Hiwatari!"
Wait… Kai didn't even pay! Kai gives her another nod and leaves the counter. I follow him around to another counter with a sign reading 'pick up.' I'm curious as to why Kai didn't pay, or why the cashier didn't ask him to pay, but I'm not sure that I should ask. I've learned a couple times before that sticking your nose where it doesn't belong gets you kicked in the face. Like this one time when I was just a wee lad back in my village, I walked in on one of the older boys, well, 'wrestling' with one of the girls. I got caught peeping so they kicked me around a bit. Then they told me not to tell anyone. They said something along the lines of…
"Rei, go find a table."
No, that wasn't it. Oh! That was Kai. Probably got annoyed of my far-off stare over his shoulder. Well, to finish my story, that was the first time I realized how attractive guys are. It wasn't the girl I was peeping on, that's for sure.
So back to the present, the idea of sitting appeals to my aching feet and I quickly find a table for two nearby. These tables are small. That means I'll be closer to Kai! I set down my bags to the right of my chair and wait patiently. Kai~ Kai~ He's coming to sit with me~ la dee dum!
To pass the time, I lean over and lazily look through one of the bags I have been carrying. As I come across each item I am reminded of the ordeals Hilary and myself went through to pick the best clothing. It brings a smile to my face. We had to deal with some crazy people today, and some people had to deal with Hilary. Like the guy from the third store on the 4th floor. Hilary had me try on everything and the poor sales-associate was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. We walked out of that store without buying a single thing. I swear that guy was about to cry! I can't help but to chuckle at the memory.
"You seem happy." Kai has arrived! And he brought food! He's carrying a small tray with two drinks, two chicken pitas and cakes. This is Kai's usual? I never pictured him as one for sweets. I was expecting something along the lines of black coffee from the Undablahblah tribe in Oceana and an imported Turkish roll sprinkled with gold. What? He could afford it.
"Uh, I was just thinking of something funny." He places one of the cups and the food in front of me. Looking at the items my curiosity gets the better of me.
"Say Kai. Are these actually paid for?" I immediately regret asking as he eyes me while sipping from his drink. I may have offended him with this statement. No Kai, I don't think you're a thief! Then, to my relief, he sets down his cup breaking the eye contact. In Kai's world, breaking eye contact means that he's not going to tear out your spine and strangle you with it. Lucky me.
"It's on my tab. I'll pay it at the end of the month." He then picks up half of his pita and takes a bite. I take a sip of the drink. It tastes good, and sweet! Kai really does like sweet things. Someone's getting chocolate for Valentine's Day.
"What drink is this?" Kai hesitates. He glares at his cup before answering.
"Passion fruit." I'm guessing that hesitation was him running through the long, ridiculous name in his head before settling on not saying it at all. I bet it's Passion Prancing Fruit Fart or something along those lines.
We finish our pitas and cakes quickly and sit silently while drinking. Half-way through my cup Kai places his own back on the table and straightens his posture. "Let me see what you bought."
I'm taken aback by his sudden request and stare for a second. But not wanting to seem like an idiot (too late) I reach down and grab a random bag. The name on the bag says OF THE NEIGE-STYLE. When did Hilary drag me to this store? You would think I could remember a weird name like that. Whatever. I slide it over the table for Kai to take.
He reaches into it blindly and pulls out a long-sleeved shirt with red and blue stars printed all over it. He looks it over quickly before folding it and placing it back in the bag. Telling by the way he didn't criticize it, and by 'criticize' I mean 'say anything at all', I'm guessing he approves. He pulls out a long black scarf made of thick wool. Again he approves, I think. The only other item in the bag is a pair of black skinny pants with studs on the knees. While looking over this piece, he gives a slight nod.
"You didn't shop blindly." I've been told I have 20/20 vision. He hands the bag back to me. I take it and reunite it with its comrades on the floor.
"Y-yeah." Dammit, stop stuttering! "I did some research."
Kai nods and picks up his drink again. I also continue drinking while looking at Kai, my favorite pastime. He's sitting back with his right leg resting on the other, one arm folded under the one holding his drink as he watches the people shopping. His posture and his outfit make him look so sophisticated. It's no wonder people respect him even if they don't know him. Oops, I've been staring too long. If he says anything I'll say that I was admiring his outfit. It's partially true anyway. Still, I turn back to my drink in hand.
"Tala told me about your outfit choice yesterday." I feel the liquid slide down the wrong tube and sputter as realization hits me. Shit, I should have known that bastard would talk!
When my coughs subside I look up at Kai bashfully. "Uh, yeah. I won't make that mistake again." My hand comes up to rub the back of my head. "I can't believe he was mad enough to tell you though." That tattletale.
Kai downs the rest of his drink then plays with the cup lazily. "He has a bit of a big mouth, but he wasn't very angry at the time." He sets the cup down and eyes a family that has entered the store. "Once he reached the 7th floor he had calmed down to just shouting."
Was that a joke? I could feel my mouth pull into a smile. In all my years of being on the same team as Kai, sharing hotel rooms with Kai, and now working with Kai, that was the closest he has ever come to making a joke. Kai, being funny! I think I feel tears coming.
I go to finish the rest of my drink, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere between Kai and myself. However, it doesn't last long when my cell phone goes off effectively killing the mood. Kai takes no mind to the distraction and continues to watch the people outside of the shop. I pull out my phone from my pocket and check the i.d. It's Hilary. I had forgotten about her. I answer quickly as to not make her wait and, in turn, angry.
"Hey Hilary." From my peripheral I can see crimson turn to look at me before returning to the people outside.
"Rei! I got the cutest stuff! Sorry it took so long. I went to several different places. Where are you?"
"I'm at…" I turn my cup around to find the name of the place, "Instant Orange on the 2nd floor." On the other end I can hear some woman offering Hilary a sample of something, which she gladly takes. "Alright, I'll come meet you and I'll tell you the plan from there. Wait for me!" And she hangs up. Goodbye to you too.
"You came here with Hilary." I don't think Kai ever asks questions.
"Yeah, she wanted to help find clothes for me." I return my phone to my pocket and finish the rest of my drink. Although I'm not paying attention, I don't miss the way Kai's eyes narrow in a calculating manner before he speaks.
"I see." What was that look? Suddenly, Kai turns to his expensive watch again as if he just remembered something. "It's about time I head back."
No, don't go! "Oh, ok." That's it Rei, put up a fight. Kai moves to stand but then hesitates before sitting back down.
"Remember this Rei," Something about the seriousness of his tone causes me to move closer subconsciously. I have a feeling I don't want to miss this. "We don't make sales for money. We make sales for loyalty. Understand?"
…. Sure.
I understood that as much as I understood Grandpa G. But, I don't want him to know that so I nod like I understood.
Satisfied, Kai finally does stand. "Tomorrow then." Tomorrow? What's tomorrow? Kai and I are…. Working! I'm working tomorrow! "Yeah, tomorrow." And with that he starts making his way to the door. Shoot, I didn't thank him for the drink or even…
"Wait, Kai!" He stops and looks over his shoulder back at me. "I didn't pay you for the meal."
He looks at me for a few more seconds before he smiles. Wait. Smiles! He's smiling at me! It's small, but it's definitely a smile! I think I'm going to faint. Such beauty exists?
"Don't worry about it." And then he finally does leave. I watch him until he is out of the café and out of sight. He smiled at me! I place my cold hands to my burning face to try and cool it down. He smiled at me! I let out a silent girlie squeal. Ok, calm down. He smiled at me! I let out another squeal while doing a dance in my chair quickly. I don't think I can take much more of this.
"What are you doing?" My eyes snap open. I'm caught. I slowly look up to greet my companion.
"Hey Hilary."
She doesn't answer. She simply walks around and takes the seat previously occupied by Kai. I give her a friendly smile. She narrows her eyes at me before looking away casually. "I passed Kai on my way down here."
My ears perk up at the mention of my love's name. "Oh really?" Hilary's eyes narrow again. She seems so scrutinizing. But why?
"Yes. I asked him what he was doing and he told me he just finished his break." She then meets my eyes sternly. "Here."
Oh, I feel like I'm in deep shit, but I don't know why. Ok, no big deal. Just play it off. "Uh, yeah. We ran into each other and decided to eat together." I finish with an innocent smile. After all, I didn't do anything wrong…. Right?
Hilary's eyes narrow further and she leans over the table getting in my face. "So, is that why you were sitting by yourself squealing like a lovesick schoolgirl when I got here?"
Oh. So that's what she was getting at. Damn.
Don't back down Rei! Think of an excuse, something else to squeal at. "Uh…" Always on top of things, this one.
Ok, now I'm not quite sure what is happening. Hilary hasn't moved, but her eyes have softened. A lot! She's practically on the verge of tears! Maybe I should ask if she's ok? Before the words leave my lips, however, she leaps further over the table and grabs me around the shoulders.
"Oh Rei! Why didn't you tell me?" This was not the reaction I was expecting. "I had always suspected you had feelings for Kai!" Could she be any louder?
"Hilary, keep it down." My eyes are darting around the café to see if anyone has overheard. Nope, too busy drinking their Mango Tango Gang Bangs. Suddenly, she grabs me on either side of my face and pushes my cheeks in forcing my lips to jut out.
"Have I not been a good enough friend to you?" What? "I would have liked to think that you could trust me enough to tell me something like this!" By now she is really crying, and mashing my face like potatoes.
"Hirawy, Um dawwy. Pwease don cwai." I guess I said the magic word because her tears stop instantly. She drops my face and composes herself.
"Damn right you're sorry." She dabs at her face with a napkin. While I massage my aching cheek muscles, she pulls out a mirror and checks her face. When she is satisfied with her complexion she puts away the mirror and looks back to me, no longer upset. Although, I'm not sure how I feel about that sly grin she has on. "Now I know where the sudden eagerness to improve came from."
My eyes shift from Hilary to different objects in the café. For some reason I'm finding it difficult to make eye contact. "So, you're not freaked out that I'm… you know." The end of my braid has become very interesting, I'll play with that. A soft hand on mine, however, brings my attention back up to Hilary. Her comforting smile and understanding touch are all the reassurance I need and I return the smile. Yeah, I'm happy I have her.
"Now then," she stands and gathers her bags she had placed around her. This process takes a while. "Let's get your wardrobe put away and figure out how you're going to win over Kai!"
I can't describe how I'm feeling now. I feel great, even when Hilary latches onto my arm with her death grip. Even when I know she is going to leave marks that won't fade for a while. And even after she tells me she wants to play with my hair, my smile just keeps coming back. Knowing that there is someone who knows my secret and is willing to help and support me. It's a relief!
"Hey Rei." Hilary pulls me out of my inner interpretation. "What is it Hil?"
She plays with my hand for a bit before continuing. "Did Kai happen to say anything about your hair?"
…
Dammit!
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It's still pretty busy around the store even though it's been open for three days already. It's a lot busier in my corner too. Well, compared to the opening day. I'm having to answer questions and help people left and right. So far I haven't made a sale, but that is mostly because I'm scared of making another mistake. Yeah, I know I said I would face this challenge but one step at a time. Baby steps.
A customer asks for a shirt in the next size up so I head to the back to fetch it. I'm going to have to grab a few to restock that rack. If that customer asks for help with whether he should buy it or not I'll just do what I've been doing all day: send him to a co-worker! Yeah, it's pathetic. But it's working. And no one has noticed yet. I grab several shirts in the medium and a few in large and head back out to the sales floor. I have to bob and weave through the crowd occasionally. Reaching my corner I see the customer is still there waiting patiently. I hand him a medium and set about stocking the rack again.
"Excuse me." Oh, he's still here. "Do you think this would suit me? Or is there something else I should try?" Damn. Alright no biggy, just smile and quickly pull someone over to take him away. Now lets see who's free. Max? No,, he's helping someone. Tyson? Lunch break.. Again. Ken? He's always busy. That guy? No. Him? No. Damn everyone is busy!
Ok, don't panic. Maybe this is my time to put my, um, skills(?) to the test. Let's see, the first thing to do is look at the person. Hmm, he's got an average build, slight tan, and his hair is dyed orange-ish blond. This might be a bit difficult. What would I do in a beybattle if I wanted to figure out my opponent? Buy some time!
"Well why don't we see how that shirt looks on you and go from there?" Perfect! The customer agrees immediately and I get him into a dressing room. A minute later we're standing side-by-side in front of the full-length mirror. The shirt is cool: a black hoodie with three zigzagging zippers (say that five times fast) and a zipper around the hood. But it's simple and this guy seems kind of flashy.
He looks at himself front and back before looking at me through the mirror. "I like it, but it's really basic. It seems like anyone can wear it. I want it to be just for me, you know?" This guy sounds like Hilary. Alright, so he's a flashy guy. What would a flashy guy wear? I do a 360 looking around the store from where I'm standing. What catches my eye?
When did we get that?
The flashiest thing that catches my eye is a gold and black striped fur vest. Would it work? The zippers on the hood are gold so it should match. Let's see if he likes it. "Give me one second, sir. I think I know what you need." No I don't, this is a total guess. Nevertheless, I make my way across the store and thumb through the sizes on the vests. I grab the first medium and dodge a young couple browsing before standing next to the customer again.
"This vest is very unique, maybe it's your style." He looks at the vest skeptically before taking it in his hands. "I've never been one for fur," Shit. "but I'll trust your judgment." Double shit. I keep my fake smile plastered to my face while he slips on the vest. Alright, if he doesn't like it and it doesn't suit him, don't lie! Remember what Hottie McHotpants said.
"Wow!" Good wow? "I didn't think it would look this good!" Yay? Yay! "What do you think?" No yay! Don't ask me! That's stylistic suicide!
"Personally, I think it really suits you. It's a very individual look and you pull it off well." Ok let's see. I don't feel guilty, so that must mean that I told the truth! The customer seems pleased, so my honest opinion worked out! Improvements are just falling into my lap recently. I hope it's not a one-time deal.
"That's exactly what I was thinking! I'll take them both. And can you help me find a pair of pants to match?" Did I just make another sale?
I find a pair of dark denim jeans torn all the way down the front. The guy loves them. I think they're overpriced hand-me-downs. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I have a pair similar to these hanging in the back of my closet somewhere from when I was still in high school.
I wonder how they thought to sell these. Ok, here are your jeans. Oh, you want a hole? That will be $40.
Anyway, I ring up the purchase and hand him the bagged items. I give him a low bow as is procedure for working here. "Thank you very much."
"No, thank you! I'll be sure to come back here all the time."
"We don't make sales for money. We make sales for loyalty."
This is what Kai meant. A wide grin breaks my face and I automatically bend into an even deeper bow. "Thank you so much!" I'm so happy I could cry. Well, not really. As I come back up the customer gives me a less enthusiastic but equally sincere smile and heads for the entrance. I'll be sure to remember him when he returns.
I head back to my station where I am approached by another young man. He looks to be in high school and he wants my opinion about a very vivid red sweater. Unlike before, I have no intention of sending him to someone else. I got this!
"Actually, because the color is so bright and you have light skin it may flush you out." It's true. When he holds it up to himself all I can see is the kool-aid guy. I find another sweater that is a charcoal color. It has off-white wonky patterns on the shoulders and the ends of the sleeves. It's simple but it looks okay on it's own.
But before I can say anything to the kid I feel a hand on my shoulder. A voice in my ear tells me exactly who it is. "Not that one." Kai's other hand comes around and takes the hanger from me.
"It's too expensive. He's only in high school so he won't be able to spend much." The hanger disappears behind me and he hands me another one. It's a double layered shirt, black on top and white underneath.
I take the kid to a dressing room and he comes out wearing the shirt. It's baggy but it flatters him. Kai comes to stand next to me and also gives the kid a once-over. Why doesn't he do that to me?
"It's simple so accessories will help." Those cool crimson eyes turn to me. "Rei, would you pick some out?" What was that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of my ear-gasm. Focus! I head to a small display table and start grabbing items. This is difficult I have to mind the style and price! Ok, this one is cheap and this one is on sale. Works for me.
I head back to the teen and place a necklace around his neck. It has three stars on the end that are red, blue and yellow. I finish with a black beanie and step back. A bit more of checking himself out and the kid loves it. Thank god! If he would have said he hated what I chose in front of Kai I would have lost my nerve.
He pays for the purchases and as I thank him with a bow Kai also bows next to me. Well isn't that a humbling sight. We both watch the customer leave the store and as soon as he does I turn to look at Kai. "I didn't expect to see you down here."
He shrugs and checks his watch. "After the past incident I thought I should check on you." I cross my arms in a mock offended manner and glare.
"So you don't trust me." Kai turns to meet my glare at about a head taller. His signature smirk is in place. "On the contrary. I wanted to see how much you have improved." Liar.
I send him a smirk of my own and step past him toward my station. "Well, if you'll excuse me, boss, I need to get back to work." I manage five steps without him responding. What, no retort?
"It looks nice by the way. Your hair."
Yup, I knew six steps was a stretch. I look at him over my shoulder to make sure I just didn't imagine him saying that. Sure enough, he's looking at me with that confident smirk. My face heats up faster than a skillet in the middle of August on the equator. That sexy smirk increases and he nods toward my station.
"Back to work Kon."
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Next Chapter: Rei's new job and his reunion with an unwanted person.
Review please! let me know what you think^^ see you again hopefully~