"How are you feeling?" Chunhyang asked me. I had been lying on my stomach for about half an hour with a creamy medicine on my back.
"Amazing~" I sang. I was a little bit drunk. Fai had brought me a bottle of some alcoholic beverage that tasted like rum. It was empty now. Chunhyang giggled a bit as she cleaned off the medicine, revealing acid burn free skin.
"You're all good!" Chunhyang told me, giving me a new shirt to put on. I changed clothes and found everyone else outside.
"Mai-chaaaan~!" Fai sang when he saw me, "They're having a party for us!"
"A party!? Let's go!" I grabbed his hand, dragging him away from the house.
"Um… I think we're going to go to bed." Syaoran explained as he, Sakura, and Chunhyang left us. Kurogane grumbled as he followed the two of us, making sure we didn't get too out of control. We made it to the center of town and heard music playing and people singing. As soon as the townspeople saw us they cheered, bringing us glasses of champagne and liquor.
Fai's Point of View
Mai was wasted. It made me laugh. She seemed so happy, dancing amongst the crowds of people. She had a natural grace about her, even in her intoxicated state.
"She really is something." I said, mostly to myself.
"She's dangerous." Kurogane told me, sternly. I looked up at him, tipsy and very confused, "You should have seen her that night we met her. It was like she was in a daze but something was controlling her. I don't like it."
"She doesn't know about her magic." I replied, my smile fading slightly, "She is very strong but has had no guidance. All of that power is just building up inside her."
"That makes sense. What still has me confused though, was that man she was engaged to. The witch told us there would be people in other worlds that would look familiar, but that was you, Fai." Damn. That samurai sure was smart.
"It certainly seemed that way. But he had a different name." I tried to throw him off. He opened his mouth to say something in response, but was interrupted.
"Kuro-puu~!" It was Mai, swaying back and forth in front of us, "Dance with me?" She didn't give him a chance to answer; she just grabbed his hands and pulled him back to where she had been a moment ago. I laughed a bit at his irritated expression and her intoxicated happiness. I found myself wishing I could always see her that happy. Her smile was so genuine and beautiful, I couldn't help but stare at her as she and the swordsmen danced. I had to admit, I was a little jealous. The song ended and everyone clapped. I watched as Mai said something to Kurogane before running off toward the band that was playing.
"She wants to sing." Kurogane said, taking a seat next to me, "Apparently there is some song she thought we would like."
"Ah… Hello everyone! If you'd permit me to, I have a song I'd like to share with you." We looked up to see Mai on the roof of a building. She was met by loud applause. She smiled, took a large gulp of some drink in her hand, and began to sing.
Some nights I stay up cashing in my bad luck
Some nights I call it a draw
Some nights I wish that my lips could build a castle
Some nights I wish they'd just fall off
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh, Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for oh
What do I stand for?
What do I stand for?
Most nights I don't know anymore...
Drums started pounding from below her and she nodded her head as she continued.
This is it, boys, this is war - what are we waiting for?
Why don't we break the rules already?
I couldn't help but notice her look at us as she sang. She looked so happy to be performing again in front of people.
I was never one to believe the hype
Save that for the black and white
I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked,
But here they come again to jack my style
That's alright
I found a martyr in my bed tonight
She stops my bones from wondering just who I am, who I am, who I am
Oh, who am I?
Well, some nights I wish that this all would end
'Cause I could use some friends for a change.
And some nights I'm scared you'll forget me again
Some nights I always win, I always win...
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh, Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh
What do I stand for?
What do I stand for?
Most nights I don't know... (oh, come on)
So this is it. I sold my soul for this?
Washed my hands of that for this?
I miss my mom and dad for this?
No. When I see stars, when I see, when I see stars, that's all they are
When I hear songs, they sound like this one, so come on.
Oh, come on. Oh, come on. Oh, come on!
Well, that is it guys, that is all - five minutes in and I'm bored again
Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands
This one is not for the folks at home;
Sorry to leave, mom, I had to go
Who the fuck wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun—?
On this line, the alcohol really seemed to kick in. She took a step forward to emphasize the lyrics, but she slipped. Before I realized it, I was off my feet, running towards her as she tumbled off of the roof. I leapt into the air, grabbing her just before she hit the ground.
"Hi there." I smiled down at her. She giggled and threw her arms around my neck.
"Good catch, Yuui~!" I tensed up a bit. How much had she had to drink? She stood up and waved to the crowding villagers who were worried about her. They all laughed and the band began to play again. She took my hand and smiled before dragging me into the group of dancers. I had to catch her once more, as she almost fell when turning back to face me. She kept laughing.
"Will you dance with me?" She asked, giggling. I couldn't help but chuckle slightly as well; we were already amongst the other dancers and my arms were around her waist. I took her right hand in my left and smiled down at her,
"It would be my pleasure." I could have sworn she was blushing, but it very well could have been because of the alcohol in her system. I spun her hesitantly, worried she would stumble over her own feet, but she was a constant surprise. She was a very graceful dancer. She felt so warm pressed up against me; I couldn't help but feel happy. The music slowed a bit and she rested her head on my chest. She was quite a bit shorter than me, but we fit so perfectly together.
"Sleepy~" she said softly as we swayed back and forth.
"Would you like to go to bed, Mai-chan?" She shook her head no. I was about to ask why when she spoke,
"I don't want this moment to end. I don't think I've ever felt this—this happy." I tried not to let her words stick with me. I did not want to allow myself to believe her. She was very drunk and very confused.
"Come on," I said, smiling down at her, "Let's get you to bed." She simply nodded. I tried to step away from her, to lead her back to Chunhyang's house, but she held my hand tightly and refused to let go. Her dark hair hid her face slightly from me, but I swore she was blushing. Her hand felt so small and fragile in mine. We walked back in silence, aside from her occasional yawn.
We were almost to the house, we could see it just up the road, when Mai suddenly stopped. I turned to face her, worried that the alcohol might have made her sick. She looked up at me, her green eyes shining in the moonlight. I was about to ask if she was all right when she quickly stood up on her tiptoes and planted her lips to mine. I froze. I wanted so badly to enjoy this moment, her lips felt so soft. But she confused me with her deceased fiancé. As if realizing that, she quickly pulled away and ran to the house. I wanted to call after her, but I found myself unable to think clearly. I stared after her, slowly bringing my hand up to gently touch my lips.
"Oh dear." I said softly as my heart beat wildly, "This can't be good."