AN: Wow, I am so surprised at the responses. So far no one knows why Oikawa is so popular either. *shrugs* Welp nothing can be done about that I suppose.

Anyway thanks for the support nonetheless and sorry for the wait, but man... the amount of mental preparation I had for this chapter... I just can't. As you can tell this may be the longest chapter in the story so far, because SO MUCH stupidity is in here! Everyone is stupid because of me... *slams head to table*

You have been warned.

Chapter 10: I SWEAR This is not a Date

Tia Cunningway can confidently say she knows her best friend Harriet well, sometimes more than the violet head herself. Though she keeps up her uplifting façade during their first week apart across the globe, if she were to be honest with herself, she's grown slightly wary for her dear friend, especially after all that's happened during the school shooting over a month ago.

It had been a scary experience yes, but sadly for Tia, the sounds of bullets were far too familiar to her that she's grown accustomed to it. She doesn't remember much as a small child, but back in the shady streets of her old hometown in New York, she was almost never allowed to venture outside thanks to the party of gunshots rivaled gang members would create nearly each day. Her parents have always said they regret giving birth to her before they had the opportunity to move.

Tia believed it was because of those events as child that she was not nearly afraid of the gunman as she should've been, a student just like them. However, she was afraid of the lives of her classmates and teacher (who tried to reason with the student) which was why she snuck away from the gunman's line of sight to hurry inside the locker rooms to the coach's office in the back to call the police, then notify other teachers outside the gym.

Throughout the years she's known Harriet, Tia came to realize there are times when her friend faces things head-on despite the consequences she may face. In this case, taking the bullet for the teacher. What Tia did not anticipate was for Harriet to fight the gun off the gunman and tackle him to ground as if she hadn't just been shot. That's what she'd been told since she was busy escorting the police to the crime and found her friend restraining him on the ground, blood seeping from her wounded shoulder, eyes full of malice and hate Tia had never seen before.

That scene made her think long and hard about Harriet's behavior and actions and has concluded that her friend is very emotional.

Usually when Harriet expresses her feelings, it's either through music or through violence. Most of the time, she keeps them to herself. That incident at school must've been the pinnacle of many conflicted emotions (such as failing to understand why the gunman would want to kill innocent people) adding to her dangerous habit of taking action.

So yes, her friend is very emotional, especially when she doesn't exactly know what she's feeling, which can most likely lead to violence.

"Ugh! And that son of a bitch had the audacity to ask 'Are you alright?' Like what the fuck? Why care all of a sudden? Oh, because I'm now a damsel in distress you want to be nice?Is that it?! Or was that another form of sick mockery, that dickhead!"

"I highly doubt it," Tia chooses to add in her opinion as she silently listens to Harriet's story while texting with another friend on LINE, her pen pal.

Harriet glares through the computer screen. "Were you even listening to my whole story?"

"You started off with complaining about school and their uniforms, how you've joined Jun's club and is finally playing the guitar again, how you've managed to get suspended- sidenote: that idiot totally deserved it. And out of all that, over fifty percent of your rambling was about this guy in your class. Tsukishima, am I right?"

"You forgot how I've mentioned repeatedly that he's a total dick."

"That you did sweetie. However, from what you've told me about him, I don't really think he is a 'total dick'."

"WHAT?!"

"Harriet, you've only known him for a week."

"Yeah and after a week, I think I've learned enough about him!"

"Is he cute?"

"W-Wha-"

Tia watched her friend gape like a fish, her cheeks the color of roses.

"The fuck Tia?!"

She puts on her signature sweet smile. "It's just an innocent question. And I'm not hearing a no…"

"He's hideous!"

"Too late! You're expression says it all," she laughs while Harriet slams her head onto her desk. Tia guesses her whole face is now equivalent to a sunburn.

"He's not even French…" Tia hears her whine and had to roll her eyes.

"Well duh, you're in Japan." Suddenly, she was struck with an idea. "Hey, you said you have to meet with him soon right?"

A groan was the only reply she got. Tia fought not to grin. "Use that opportunity to get to know him better."

The violet head shot upright and twisted her face to a grimace. "You mean... like a date?"

"No dearie, one step at a time~" she giggles.

"I hate you."

"Love you too darling. Anyway, I wasn't done. Get to know him better without picking a fight or threatening his life. In short, be nice and friendly to him."

"I don't have to agree to this you know."

"You will with the offer I'm about to make should you concede."

Harriet had her arms crosses defiantly, but failed to look uninterested.

"I'm listening…"

"Remember that pretty vest I have, the one you tried to find one similar?"

"You mean the suit vest you liked so much you'd never part with it even if the apocalypse hits?"

"I can ask your mom to tailor it so it fits your size and have it sent to you. It shall be yours if you do this and whether or not Tsukishima is the type of guy you claim he is, the point is you tried and that is enough for me."

Harriet stares at her, her features stunned as her arms fall limp to her sides.

"What do you get out of this?"

"The fact that I know I'm right and you are wrong."

"You haven't even met the guy!"

"Believe me when I say this, you do tend to over-exaggerate when it comes to your opinions on men."

"I do not!"

"Freshman year. David Tenner. You kicked him in the groin from behind."

"I thought he was being shady!"

"He tripped by accident and fell on my chest. After that stunt you did, he wanted to switch schools. My point is, you judge too quickly."

Harriet crossed her arms again and puffed her cheeks to a pout, embarrassed for having that subject brought up. Its times like these she hates Tia's wise and mature behavior.

"So are you going to concede Miss Grumpypants?" she taunts with that sweet gentle smile, as if she knows Harriet's answer as well as the events that may come in the next few hours.

Harriet huffs but gives a slight grin. "I accept Miss Know-it-all, so prepare to hand that vest over as soon as possible."

Tia gives her a thumbs up. "You got it!"

"You know, you can be a devil sometimes."

She shrugs. "I learn from the best."

"How are we still friends?"

"Some questions are better left a mystery."

That got a laugh out the wicked girl as she props her head on her palm. Tia continues typing.

"You're talking with your pen pal are you? What are you two discussing?"

"This new game I'm having him play."

"What is it?"

"Undertale."

Harriet snorts. "Are you trying to get him on a feels rollercoaster?"

"It worked with you."

"I'd rather not remember those days thank you very much. The Genocide Route still haunts me."

"Funny you should mention that; he wants to do that route first because he's heard the battle with Sans is extremely difficult, but I convinced him to finish the Pacifist Route."

"Well tell that poor son of a bitch I said good luck. He's gonna need it."

Tia types out her message while Harriet stands from her desk chair to stretch her limbs. She then hears a giggle.

"He says thanks, but he'll have better luck than you."

"That cheeky bastard..."

Tia continues to laugh while Harriet rolls her eyes and shuffles through her closet.

"Still not going to tell me who that is?"

"Nope!"

Harriet pulls out an outfit and positions it in front of her to Tia.

"Then tell me what the fuck I should wear."

XXXXX

Kunio stood behind the counter of the music shop, one hand propping his head while the other tapped the glass irritably, his scowl more prominent than usual.

If anything, he'd rather be taking a trip down to Karasuno High and give the heads a piece of his mind than stay here to run his business. But his husband forbade him from leaving, saying 'it'll only cause more trouble than it's worth' in the nicest way possible. Damn him.

In his sights he sees Miki shake her body, white furs flying everywhere.

"Do that outside you stupid mutt. I just cleaned here."

Instead, Miki sits, facing Kunio and stares with one ear drooped and her head tilted. Kunio frowns.

"Don't give me that look. I'm fine."

She barks in a way that he could've sworn meant, 'No you're not'. Why did he listen to his kids about wanting to have a pet and why did his stupid husband have to agree?

Before Kunio could begin to have a heated argument with a puppy, he hears sounds of footsteps coming down from the second floor. Out came his niece, looking like she's going to a concert when not too long ago, she seemed to not want to do anything all day.

"Yo Obasan, I'm heading out! Don't know how long though."

"Don't call me that!" Kunio shouts with a heated face, not noticing the way she's obscuring herself nervously with her zipped up leather jacket. "And don't be out later than ten, you hear?"

"Okaygotitbye!" she says quickly, much to Kunio's confusion, before leaving the shop in a hurry.

"The hell was that about?" he mutters to no one, but soon sighs and leans back on the counter, knowing there are things about that girl he will never understand.

Minutes later, he picks up another round of footsteps, more chaotic than before, and sees his two boys and Masami come into view.

"Yo Okaasan, Jun and Masami-chan have done a fantastic job practicing! So I'm taking them to the movies as a small treat. Imma drive Masami home afterwards," his stepson smiles and Kunio can easily tell he's hiding something.

"If either of them die in a car crash or something it's on your head," he says bluntly.

Scott forces a chuckle as he escorts the kids out, one of them (Masami) losing color. "Oh Mom, you and your jokes!"

"Just get out already!"

Once the trio left and he's sure no one else is around, he slumps onto the counter, arms dangling over the edge. He stays like that and over a minute passes by before he feels a wet tongue over his fingertips. Kunio sighs again, but doesn't move away.

"Stupid mutt…"

XXXXX

"Why did I let this happen?" Yamaguchi says in a small defeated cry. Shame and betrayal is just the onset of what he's feeling. "Tsukki's going to kill me."

"What are you talking about?" Tanaka looks at him, his expression serious. "All we're doing is having a friendly outing right here at the food court."

"Exactly," Nishinoya speaks with equal seriousness. "We're doing nothing wrong here, isn't that right Hinata? Kageyama?"

The two in question nod while their faces are stuffed with food they bought from McDonalds.

"See? And if Tsukishima and Thompson-chick arrive, then it's only by chance."

"But you guys know they'll be here!"

"It's okay Yamaguchi." Sugawara places a hand on his shoulder. "What they don't know won't hurt them."

"S-Suga-san…" Yamaguchi wasn't sure if it's he who's losing his sanity or the world around him. "You're supposed to be against this!"

"I am, believe me, but knowing Tanaka and Nishinoya, nothing will sway these two out of this despite my and Daichi's warnings, so I figured it best for one of us to watch over them so they at least don't cause trouble."

"Oi! Don't act like you're not as curious as we are!" the libero counters. "Tsukishima is spending time with a girl, and not just any girl, but a girl who would probably beat his face with a sledgehammer! Isn't that something you wanna see?"

"NO!" Both Yamaguchi and Suawara yell in a petrified manner. (Of course Nishisnoya isn't referring to Tsukishima's face getting beaten with a sledgehammer but still…)

"What about you Yachi-san, you're curious too right?" he asks the blonde who was silent the whole time drinking a smoothie before the attention brought to her made her temporarily choke in her drink.

"Don't drag her into this!" Yamaguchi warns as he pats her back helpfully.

And the argument over morals and who's right drags on back and forth between the group (sans Hinata and Kageyama whose mouths are too full to even speak) before an entirely new voice interrupts them.

"Hinata-kun? Yachi-san?"

Yachi bolts up at the sight of her classmates. "Kenta-san! Masami-chan! Hi!"

"How unexpected to see you here," Masami greets Yachi casually. She peers at the boys. "So this must be the volleyball team."

"Yup!" Hinata shouts, mouth still full.

"Hey you're the kid on stage!" Tanaka recognizes Junichi. "Dude you were awesome!"

"Not this again…" Jun's face flushes as he mutters under his breath.

"Get used to it little bro!" Scott claps his back. "That's what stardom is all about!"

Sugawara raises is brows at the older boy. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't you in Karasuno last year?"

It was Scott's turn to look surprised. "Heh, didn't think anyone would recognize me. I guess I was wrong."

"I saw you with Takeo sometimes which is why I could remember."

"Is that so?" Scott shrugs his shoulders. "Well, somebody had to look after the guy. So anyway, what's the occasion you guys have going here?"

"We're spying on Tsukishima," Kageyama says through his mouthfuls of food.

"Y-You guys too!?" Junichi yells in disbelief.

"While we're here to spy on our beloved cousin. Man this is too good!" Scott laughs joyously while ruffling Jun's fluffy head.

"I'm against this by the way," Jun says weakly.

"That's good to know," Yamaguchi says with sympathy, glad that he's not the only sane one here.

"No turning back now. We're doin' this. Also, Harriet's on a bus, which should arrive any minute," Scott informs everyone. "No doubt she'll probably wait at the front. It's still only thirty minutes to six, so for now we can just lay low, unspotted, and wait."

XXXXX

"You're almost late."

"It's only a minute to six so I'm not," Tsukishima states simply, then smiles teasingly. "What, have I kept you waiting?"

"What do you think genius? I'm the caterer so I have to be early. That's how it works."

"Who says?"

"You know, you are really making this difficult so if I were you, I'd better go in there and get what I want so this girl can move on with her life."

And to Harriet's relief, he obeys with a 'yes ma'am', which he probably said that to annoy her. She wouldn't put it passed him. She now wonders if she'll be able to keep her promise to Tia when already she has the urge to bash his face to the nearest wall.

And then there's the outfit Tia suggested she'd wear, specifically the top hidden under jacket. If it were any other occasion that's not this, she'd be totally fine with it. In fact, why is she even nervous about what she's wearing to begin with? She never gave a fuck about other's opinions, positive or negative. That said, Tsukishima's opinion shouldn't matter.

It really shouldn't.

"Here."

Tsukishima's voice brought her back to reality and she finds them standing in front of…

A bakery shop. The same one Jun brought her to last week.

Well, in all honesty, she didn't know what to expect.

"So you want sweets."

"Is that a problem?" he gave a sideways glance. "You said I can have anything I want."

"Did you eat anything before coming here?"

Now Tsukishima shifts his gaze to her fully, puzzled. What's she playing at?

"What's that got to do with-"

"Not buying you anything until you answer Debbie-chan~" she grinned.

The tall blonde glares at her for a full minute until he huffs and answeres reluctantly.

"No I did not."

"See? That wasn't so hard. I didn't eat either." Tsukishima was about to irritably ask what the point is in asking something like that when she continues. "There a BBQ place close by. I wanna head there first. Besides, every kid knows dessert comes after dinner."

She walks away from the bakery while Tsukishima stays planted where he stood. He doesn't understand what's going on, but if she thinks he'll just allow her to mock him and have him follow her, she's sorely mistaken.

"I didn't agree to this," he says firmly.

Harriet stops and glances back, raising an eyebrow. "You saying you don't want free food?"

Tsukishima almost thought he didn't hear her right and his dubious nonplussed look amuses the girl, making her chuckle.

"Looks like someone forgot who the caterer is here. Now come on, I'm starving. You'll get your sweets later."

It took a while for Tsukishima to respond, for all he was doing was staring at her retreating back, hands in her pockets, knee length boots clicking behind her. It was only when he finds himself staring at her hips did he force himself to move. He'll give in to her demands, if it means he's not paying. That's it.

Tsukishima has been to this place a few times before. It's quite popular and the food is good. Harriet's never eaten here however, which is a given since it only been a week since she moved and she was curious about it.

"Didn't expect it to be so warm in here…" he hears her grumble as they follow a waitress to an open seat.

"It's a BBQ. What were you possibly expecting?"

Either she didn't hear him or she was ignoring him, she was rather busy staring at the chefs openly preparing various dishes in awe. Her behavior was slightly amusing.

"Here's your table." The young waitress hands Tsukishima two menus since Harriet was farther back, taking her sweet time eyeing the place as she makes her way over. "We'll be right back to take your orders in just a few moments."

Tsukishima hums and accepts the menus. She bows respectfully. Then to his horror, gives him a saucy wink.

"She's really pretty. Enjoy your date!" she says and skips away before the blonde could snap at her for making such an assumption.

"What was that all about?" He nearly jumped out of his skin because thank the gods she didn't catch wind to what the waitress had said.

"Nothing. Are you done sightseeing?"

"Yeah yeah, hold up."

Growing impatient, he turns to ask what she could be doing now that's apparently so important when he suddenly loses all train of thought.

Harriet was removing her leather jacket and under it… Tsukishima couldn't believe it but she was wearing a corset! Black and indigo while the rest of her was black jeans and boots so of course he wouldn't have known she was wearing something like that! Under the corset she wore a mesh shirt so not too much skin was exposed but still showed enough.

This is…

Just what the…

"Hellooo… YO! Earth to Brainiac!"

He met her eyes and just blinked, his brain still not functioning.

"You gonna hand that over or will this be a staring contest?"

Took a while for him to register that he's still holding the menus and silently handed one to her. She gave him an odd look but didn't comment and accepted it with a 'thank you' before bouncing onto the seated cushions connected to a wall. Tsukishima sat himself down at the other side and immediately hides behind the open menu, pretending to read while trying to fight down the rising heat in his cheeks.

It gets even worse later when he has to hand over the menu after the waitress comes back to write down their orders. He's got nothing to distract himself from looking at anything but the damn corset while waiting but his phone, which he regrets not downloading any games in it. So he pretends he's busy with the device while Harriet does whatever she's doing over there. He won't dare look.

"So… you like volleyball huh?"

He tenses, still unwilling to look at her, because why is she striking a conversation with him? Is she that bored?

"Still up in space there Debbie or is your phone really that interesting?"

"I enjoy it." He answered with enough composure to not show discomfort.

"I see. Never saw you as the athletic type, but hey." He imagines her shrugging her shoulders and he really shouldn't be imagining her doing anything right now. "What position?"

Not helping!

"Middle blocker," he forced out.

"Makes sense," she muses. "You are annoyingly tall."

"Not my fault you're short."

"I don't need to be tall to plant your face to the pavement. Remember that."

"Is that how you cater to people?"

"You're a special case."

"Should I be flattered?"

"Who's buying the food here?"

Ah yes, normalcy. Things are turning right again. If he could keep this up without having to face her directly (or if she could just put her jacket back on) hopefully there would be no problems.

"You should take your jacket off too. You look like you might overheat."

God damn it all. This is why he can't hope for things.

"I'm fine."

She's likely rolling her eyes at him. "Check yourself in the mirror because you are definitely not fine."

"Worry about yourself please."

"How about this, either you remove your jacket and avoid a potential heatstroke or I'll come over there and force it off you myself. Don't think I won't and I don't give a damn who's watching."

For the love of god does she have any idea what she's saying? How wrong that sounds?! Tsukishima is grateful she thinks he's heating up because of the environment and not because… nope he will not finish that thought. Instead he shrugs off his jacket and angrily tosses to the side, glaring at her while he does so.

"Happy?"

Harriet leans on the table, fingers twined under her chin displaying a refined young lady (when she's really a conniving demon) while her black painted lips grin smugly.

"Very."

Thankfully nothing else needed to be said. The waiter arrived with their food and Tsukishima was content to just eat and not talk for the rest of the meal and for the rest of this 'outing'.

He's noticed the girl's change of behavior the moment she asked if he's eaten and then offers to buy him food with the promise of going back to the bakery later. After that was her asking about his interest in volleyball and then nagging that he should remove his jacket.

Then there's that corset top.

To Tsukishima, this was all very off-putting. If his idiotic teammates were here to witness this, they definitely would think of this as a date. The thought made him freeze.

Could it be… does she think this is a date? It's preposterous to think that since she's proven many times that she hates him, but then what else could explain her actions? Maybe she's bipolar?

Why is this even happening to him? If he wanted a date, he'd rather find someone who's not a violent female with a wicked tongue, gets on his nerves, sends mixed signals that drive him crazy, and most importantly, someone who does not wear a corset that looks too darmn good on her! He needs to stop thinking right now…

But little does the tall blonde know, the worst has yet to come.

XXXXX

Hinata's aware of the fact that he's not the brightest crayon in the box. Wait that's wrong. If we're talking in terms of color and radiance, then yes, Hinata is pretty bright. Anything beyond that, say intellect, then no, he's not bright at all.

But despite his lack of intelligence, he's picked up something amiss amongst his group of friends. Specifically from his new friend Kenta and his step brother, whom he demanded everyone to call him Scott.

Hinata takes in their expressions. It is a mix between contemplation and turmoil.

They were all currently inside the BBQ place in seats that would hide them from view of their targets. Scott somehow managed to snag a waitress and gave her instructions as their 'intel' and to report back with any updates. Hinata thought it was a cool plan. He feels like a government spy!

The waitress herself seemed really happy with her secret job. Every time she appeared, she revealed her scoops with bubbly enthusiasm.

"It's so cute! Sometimes they're fighting while other times they're just chatting. They're like that old married couple cliché! And that boy, I could tell he's trying super hard not to stare at her and I don't blame him! I mean, she does look really hot in that corset-"

"Wait- WHAT?!"

The waitress shrieked and jumped back in shock when the step-brothers rose from the dead to gaze at her fiercely.

"I'm sorry, you say she's wearing what now?" Scott asked slowly.

"Oh, a corset! I snapped a photo here somewhere…" The waitress searched through her phone and finding it, sets in on the table for everyone to see.

The two in the photo where in the middle of what looks like a war of who could steal the most meat from the other's plate. And truth be told, Harriet was indeed wearing a corset, with mesh.

"HAHA! We were right! They are dating!" Tanaka and Nishinoya high-fives each other.

"This proves nothing! You're still wrong!" Yamaguchi rebuttals.

"I've never seen her wear a corset before…" mutters Junichi.

"Can't say I have either," says Scott. "Then again it's been three years…"

"Hari-chan told me she has a collection of them," Hinata spoke up.

Everyone stares at him and the decoy recoils, wondering if he had said something wrong.

"Why would she tell you that?" Sugawara asked, uneasy.

"What were you two talking about?" Kageyama asked with equal uneasiness.

"T-The subject just came up while we were talking!" Hinata reasoned. It's true, Hinata discovered Harriet one time in the school's infirmary; he was forced to grab some ice after hitting his head again while she saught for some painkillers. The two talked while waiting for the nurse and Harriet showed him two corsets on her phone, asking which one looked better.

At the time, Hinata didn't even know what such a garment was so the girl was quick to fill him in on the trend as well as its history. It made him a bit nauseous to know that in its time, it was originally made to tighten the ribs and stomach so the torso could look slimmer and more attractive. Nowadays, it's uncommon and more of a fashion statement (or a festish since there are lingerie types, Harriet pointed out) than a goal to cause potential health problems. Harriet did tease him by asking if he wanted to see her in one, which made him blush.

"She's so edgy," Masami says with sparkles in her eyes. "I wish I had that type of confidence."

"She really does look nice," Yachi agrees with a tinge of blush on her cheeks.

"No way, you want to wear one too Yachi-san?!" Nishinoya hollered in disbelief.

More redness plastered the poor girl's face. "I-I-I didn't… I-I mean t-that wasn't-"

"Watch it Nishinoya…" It's amazing how one such as Yamaguchi can be timid at one point and then be menacing the next. Nishinoya had to assure him he meant no trouble.

"Alright, hold on," Scott interrupts everyone, hastily scratching his head. "Let me try to understand this. One, my cousin hates this guy right? Really hates him? Listen, I've known her since we were toddlers. I know, for a fact that when she hates someone, this doesn't happen!" He motions to the photo on the waitress's phone. "And the whole story with her having to owe him something and all that? If it were any other dude that gets on her nerves, she'd either send them to the hospital or tell them to fuck off."

"That did almost happen," Kageyama pointed out. "Tanaka held her back."

"It was scary, not gonna lie," the bald-headed second year added.

"And the only reason she agreed was so to prove she could keep her word," said Yamaguchi.

"That still doesn't explain why she's acting so buddy-buddy with this guy," Scott muttered.

"If I may voice a claim," Everyone eyes the young waitress, who smiled. "Maybe deep down, she really likes this guy."

"Impossible." Scott and Junichi both say in unison, arms crossed, instantly shooting down the woman's claim.

"W-What? Why?"

"It's simple, Hari-chan is very selective in her terms of interests." Junichi explains. "One that is most important, she prefers… French guys!"

Everyone stares at him, silently. It gets so quiet that a tumbleweed may pass by.

"Always has been for years," Scott adds. "Been dead set on it and has turned down every guy who's asked her out."

"She even knows French by heart."

Scott stands and says, with determined features on his face, "I'm going in."

Jun gasps and grasps his arm. "Are you crazy? That's suicide!"

Scott placed his free hand over Jun's and this particular scene could be similar to one of those dramatic soaps on television.

"I know its dangerous little brother, but I have to do this. This is a family matter."

"She'll kill you Nii-san!"

Scott chuckles. "So be it. If that happens, then do me one last favor."

"What is it?"

"On my gravestone, be sure it says, 'This man died a heroic death, in the hands of the Wicked Witch' and as I make my decent to hell, have Queen play in the background. Will you do that for me little bro?"

"I will."

"Will you just go already?" Masami shouts, exasperated.

"Hey. Hey. We were just having a moment here," Scott said, hugging Jun close, almost crushing him. He gives a dramatic sniff while Jun struggles in his grip. "I might never see my little bro again…"

"I know you'll make it out of this Scott-san!" Tanaka cheered, pumping a fist to the air.

"Fight on Scott-san!" Nishinoya followed.

"Go Scott-san!" went Hinata and Kageyama.

"My friends, I shall return shortly!" Scott saluts goodbye before maneuvering through employees and other customers in the restaurant.

Meanwhile, Masami tries to hide herself, knowing that people nearby are staring at their table.

Sugawara gives an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Our team can be a very high-spirited at times. It can't be helped."

"I feel the need to apologize as well," the girl says in dismay. "I never thought that a music club could be filled with such bumbling idiots."

XXXXX

Much to Harriet's surprise, the day has gone pretty well so far and she can't say she regrets taking Tia's challenge. Sure there were a few foul hits, her making threats once or twice, but to her, that's an improvement worthy of praise.

The funniest part is Tsukishima's reactions to it all. Her slightly out-of-character behavior towards him has rendered him silent at most times, as if he doesn't know what to do or say.

He hasn't commented on the corset yet. It looks like he wants to, but is holding back for some reason.

Other than that, he still acts like an insolent prick, just mellowed down she guesses? He's being more compliant, whether he's aware of that or not, which only adds to her delight.

Harriet chews down another piece of meat she stole from Tsukishima's plate. He's now using the condiments as a fort to protect what he has left.

It'll be hard to deny she's having too much fun with this. She should find Tia a gift later.

"Harriet?"

Her eyes were saucers when she finds her biological cousin nearby. She drops her chopsticks.

"Omg how unexpected is this right? Come here you-" The girl was stunned to stone as Scott goes over and hugs her. He's hugging her! What the fucking hell? Who is this imposter?!

Scott pauses and gives Harriet a onceover while she remains stock till, unable to deduce what is happening.

"Is that a corset young lady? Well I'll be dammed and hit by a tow truck, I never knew you owned stuff like that. Must be a special occasion to be wearing it now and under our noses am I right?" He playfully nudges her side.

Harriet breaths slowly. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I was just on my way to the restroom after eating when I suddenly noticed you and- Oh where are my manners!" He pretends he hasn't payed attention to Tsukishima, who was fiddling nervously. He offers his hand to shake. "I believe we haven't met. Yo there, I'm Scott Thompson. Call me Scott. And you are…"

The blonde takes it, hesitantly. "Tsukishima, Kei."

For some reason, there's something intimidating about this Scott person. He's not as tall as him and he may not look much, but hidden underneath those long sleeves, he's got muscle. Tsukishima could tell by the grip in the man's hand.

"Tsukishima huh? I know another guy with that name. Does Akiteru ring any bells?"

The blonde began feeling perplexed and Scott laughed.

"Hey chillax man! I have a cleaner, less hostile reputation than my dear cousin, and if you've somehow managed to survive around her, then I should be a no-brainer. I knew Akiteru and his buds from work. That's literally it. So, I assume you do know him."

"He's my brother," he admits.

"Figured. You two share some similarities, appearance-wise that is. You're more quiet though."

"…"

"See? Like right now!" He quips and turns to Harriet. "So you're into the quiet ones huh?"

"What are you talking about?" Harriet asks, annoyed. "Better question, why are you still here?"

"Well come one now. Don't be like tha-"

A cellphone begins ringing the lyrics of The Who's "Who Are You" and Scott pauses.

"Hold up a sec." He fishes it out his pocket and answers, thinking it might be just another potential customer. He never turns down an opportunity for more money, no matter the time and place. "This is Scott, aka DJ Scottsman and how may I help you this fine evening?"

He however, did not anticipate a familiar female voice on the other line and his mind began reeling at the unsuspecting turn this may cause.

"Aunt Lily, is that you?" he gasped. "Oh my god, what a surprise! I don't remember giving you my cellphone number, you she-devil! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Once hearing the name, Scott could see Harriet's face turn pale. Tsukishima notices and looks at the two of them in confusion. Scott has converted his speech to English so he has no idea whether the blonde could understand him or not. Then again, Tsukishima isn't his main target of focus. Not yet.

"No no don't worry about it, I completely understand and she's fine. She probably forgot to check her phone again. She's doing great, in fact…" He maneuvered away from Harriet's fingers as she frantically tries to snatch his phone. His free hand kept her at bay. "I hear she's actually made some new friends and joined a music club! And it gets better…"

"Scott I swear to god!" She yells at him in English too.

"Right now she's having dinner, with a boy! And, no he's not French."

Screams came from both sides; One ear yelling curses and death threats, the other ear squealing in delight. His job can get pretty wild at times so he's used to such loud noises.

Meanwhile Tsukishima looked like he's debating whether or not he should run. Scott doesn't blame him.

"Huh? Yes, that was her just now… Yes he's here too… You want to what now?" He asks after Aunt Lily finally settles down. "I dunno if that's a good idea. Have you mastered Japanese yet?... Alright, alright calm down! Geez, I'm starting to believe Harriet got all of her pushiness from you. Hold up."

To Harriet's complete horror, Scott hands his phone to Tsukishima.

"Here. Aunt Lily wants to say hi," is all he says, speaking Japanese again.

"Uhh…" Tsukishima was at a loss, really unsure of what to do. Even more so by the look of death from the girl across from him. At least it's not directed at him.

"Scott…"

Scott shrugged. "She just wants to say hi. Besides, you and I both know that if I just hang up right now, she'll find other ways. Lord knows how, but she has the resources."

"Then you shouldn't have said anything!"

He grins at her. "I know." He then faces Tsukishima. "So what are you waiting for, Christmas?"

Tsukishima slowly takes the phone before witnessing Harriet tackle her older cousin to the ground. He watches wide-eyed along with other onlookers as she drags him across the floor by the collar, like a useless potato sack, out the restaurant. Observing her mood, he probably will never be seen again.

Tsukishima stares at the phone in his hand and contemplates the situation he's put himself in. He could just not answer, for there's a chance he might also end up like Scott, but if what the guy says is true, than he'd rather not have this woman track him down for whatever reason.

Again, why is this happening to him?

"Hello?" he asks through the phone, preparing himself for the worst.

"Oh, hi there." He did not expect to hear such a soft, almost fragile sounding voice. "I was hearing so much noise in the background… um, could Harriet be attempting to kill Scott?"

"…Probably."

He hears a sigh. "It's expected. Lord knows what to do with those two. Ah, I'm sorry if my Japanese isn't good! I'm still learning."

"I can understand you so it's fine."

"Thank you. I should've said this already, my name is Lily, Harriet's mother. And you are?"

"Tsukishima."

"It's nice so speak with you Tsukishima and I hope I'm not stepping boundaries, but you two aren't dating are you? I know Scott can exaggerate things just to get under my daughter's skin."

He doesn't know why he finds her voice so relaxing, even though she's a stranger he cannot see.

"It's just a hangout. Nothing more."

"I see," she giggles. "It's still surprising though. Back home the only person she ever hangs out with is Tia, and now they can't see each other anymore. I was worried this move would divert her back to her old secluded self."

His brows furrowed. "Not to be rude, but why is she here in the first place if you knew that would be a problem?"

There was a pause and Tsukishima felt that maybe he has stepped on some boundaries.

"It's too… difficult to explain," Lily spoke carefully. "But one of the main reasons is my failure as a mother. I just want her to be safe after everything that's happened and Adrian, her uncle, is the only person capable of watching over her and one of few people I trust. It couldn't be helped that it required her moving to different country, but I always secretly believed it would give her an opportunity for a fresh start.

"And I'm so relived I was right. She's attending a music club, which means she's playing her guitar again! I've always feared she'd given up becoming a good guitarist like her father years ago. And she's making new friends too, which I thought would never happen! I'm so glad!"

Tsukishima remained silent.

"Can you please do me a favor Tsukki? It's okay if I call you that right? It's shorter. I was wondering, if maybe you could keep an eye on her for me? You don't have to do anything extravagant. I just want things to stay like this. Harriet is a good girl, rough around the edges yes, but she's a good girl who believes she can do everything on her own. I just don't want her to be alone again…"

XXXXX

Sometime later, Tsukishima waits patiently for Harriet's return after talking with her mother. He sees her eventually. He looks around for Scott. He doesn't find him.

"We're leaving," she says brusquely, slamming a huge wad of cash she had in her fist onto the table.

"That's more than what we owe," he points out.

"Then the lucky waiter will be receiving a hefty tip. I don't care. It's not my money." She says this while not looking at him, putting on her jacket before grabbing her tiny satchel.

Saying nothing else, she leaves. He follows.

She doesn't ask him about the conversation he had with her mother, which surprises him yet greatly relieves him, for he won't be able to explain without making it awkward for both of them. Lily hasn't told him much anyway, but has left him curious (despite himself) about Harriet's life back in America.

Minutes later, they were back at the bakery. It's amazing she hasn't flat out broken her promise. In fact, she could've just abandoned him at the restaurant and gone home. That would make more sense.

"Hello and welcome!" the shopkeeper greets with a smile. The lady smiles bigger once recognizing the tall blonde. "Ah Tsukishima, it's been a while! The usual?"

"Yes."

"Alright then. And how about you young miss? Would you like anything."

She wasn't paying attention, as if spacing out.

"Miss?"

"Huh?" She comes to. "Oh. I'm fine thanks."

The woman stares before collecting the order Tsukishima made. She comes back with strawberry shortcake. Two, each wrapped in a cute white box.

"Here you two are."

Harriet frowns. "I just said I-"

"I insist dear. You look like you might need something sweet. It's on the house."

Tsukishima watches the girl stare at her cake before sighing and… smiling?

"I can't accept that ma'am," she mutters before reaching into her satchel and pulling out a cash note, placing it on the counter. "That should cover both cakes. Keep the change."

"That's a lot my dear! I honestly can't-"

"But I insist. Thanks lady!"

She leaves with her cake before the shopkeeper could protest. In defeat, she takes the note.

"I wonder what's wrong with that girl..."

Tsukishima says nothing, watching her go. He continues to stare even when he could no longer see her.

Finally, she abandons him.

AN: To reach the end means you've put up with this chaos I've written. I commend you. More will come for you insane souls.

Also, hey! You have the LINE app? You have LINE PLAY? Come friend me! My avatar is named Tia Hemmie. Yes she's based off the character in this story and I am proud of my little cutie! Just got the app and it's such a cute social site that reminds me of Tinier Me, remember that? Except BETTER!

Visit Tia and check out her cute room! She'll love to see you~~