Author's Note:
The verdict was unanimous…part 2, which actually surprised me, because I was totally going to write part 1, because when I wrote part 2, I found it was somewhat vague and Len's behaviour was very suspicious, and I wanted to portray Azuma as this sly, crafty guy. Since he was actually listening to Len in part 2, it makes him rather stupid. But I have a feeling you guys chose part 2 because…
1) You didn't want someone to be killed, and thought that a fight in Len's place was better than in school, a public place. However, you forgot that Azuma says
"Well, I'd be glad to come and help in any way, but I'm swamped…and it's a Sunday…"
Didn't you wonder why they all weren't in school, anyway? (The fiction starts on Saturday morning—that's why Len could afford to wake up late…) Don't worry, I'm not saying you guys are dumb or anything, after all, the author sure as hell better know more about her fic than her reviewers/readers.
2)And I also feel that all the readers somehow wanted Kahoko to be involved in the 'punishment', maybe even inflict some herself (most of the reviewers are women, right? Women's revenge, Liberation, and feministic feelings are high, I'm guessing!)
Of cause, you have high reason to suspect Azuma will be killed in this chapter. After all, the last one was titled 'Will to Kill' and there is Len, brandishing a knife at the end of chapter 13, part 1 ( I have chosen part 2, of cause).
Oh wait….I forgot to thank all the reviewers….I seriously expected only one or two reviews with "1" or "2" or "I like both, please update…" but it wasn't that way, eight faithful reviewers (all choosing chapter 13, part 2) actually gave me structured, concrete and constructive advice (no, I am not studying architecture…journalism, actually!) So thanks so much, and as a way to show my gratitude, I have update sooner than I would otherwise, especially since College starts on June 6, and after that, I will be very busy. Here's hoping you like the next chapter.
Here are the (current) reviews (9) for last chapter (13). Thank you!
chocolateicecream301
You're so mean! Azusa's not that evil, originally... well, actually I don't want him to be beaten up by Len,
but since you, the author, wants the story to go like that,
I'll choose the 2nd one...
MeiChan1104
The part 2 for chapter 13! D
lyra1129
Ei,.. Nice... but,... just a suggestion,...what about "no killing"...coz that wud be ouchy,... I mean, c'mon, Len. Kills? Maybe death glares, but kills? Azuma? Maybe just a beat up NEAR to death might be good enough...it's only just a suggestion though...
SilverFloutist
I like Part 1 because there is interaction between Len and Kahoko plus he's thinking of how adorable she is when she's vindictive. I don't like the ending of Part 1, though Azuma does deserve severe punishment for what he did, it would be very freaky if Len started tearing him up with a knife. I like Part 2 better because it goes better with Chapter 12, it doesn't really make sense that in Chapter 12 Len leaves, and in Part 1 he comes back. Also, there is more suspense in Part 2. I don't like that Len doesn't trust Kahoko and doesn't believe her! My vote is for Part 2!
serendipity17
I like part 2. :) But really, I don't want Len to kill anyone. I want Azuma to suffer but not dead, because I don't want Len to be a murderer. maybe you could make the other guys (participants) to find out, then reveal what he did to Kahoko or something like that to EVERYONE, get him hated and make him the most loathed person ever. Then someone else could kill him. XD
Rosiel
I chose part 2 :)
animeaddict787
PART 2!
the part 2 seems like a better choice since their alone in the house...it really doesn't seem like a good idea to do it at school too, public...and the plot of part 2 seems better...and um...i'm not trying to be a smart but there's some errors on the spelling like mesa is suppose to be Misa and Fuyami s supposed to be Fuyuumi and kaichi is suppose to be Keiichi...again not trying to be smart just informing...but the story's flow is pretty good
Michelle
Hey!
I think your story is great so far and I really like it. For either part 1 or part 2... i'm not really sure which I like better I think I like part 2 better because its more of a beating up and trapping Azuma then letting him go rather then in part 1 he is going to kill him on school grounds and could be easily found out then go to jail etc etc. also I kinda don't want Len to kill Azuma... but your story so if u wish he can. Anyways-great story!
kae1523mae
Oh... REVENGE.! (I'm guessing part 1?)
Except for the last review. You all have voted for the second part of the thirteenth chapter. And to those who review later….thanks a lot as well, sorry your names aren't here…. Wow! More than 800 words already and the chapter haven't even started! Gosh. Okay, enough stalling….(The Last Vampire, where are you?)
Since I edited chapter 12, this is how it ended (only one extra line)
"Oh" Azuma looked doubtfully at the house.
"Are you just going to stand there or come in?" Len asked. They walked into the dark house, the only light coming from the living room, where Kahoko sat, nervously biting her nails.
Azuma stepped into the house, feeling strangely nervous, as if he predicted something bad might happen soon. He swallowed. Something was wrong….very wrong. When people invite people over for a party, their house would always be lit up. There would be decorations put up, music blaring from the stereo and caterers busting around, offering people snacks and drinks.
But Len's house, it was empty and dark. Len opened the front door. It was open. Someone's definitely in the house then….he thought, trying to reassure himself. Maybe the party's in the backyard or something, and Misa Hamai wants to talk with me privately, which is why she told everyone to go out back. That made sense, didn't it? I should have told grandmother to mind her business and given this party a miss…he thought, regretfully. Doesn't seem like there would be much fun here anyway…why did I come?
Len welcome Azuma in with a rigid hand gesture, as if he couldn't wait for him to get inside. Azuma stepped in. Len closed the door behind him with a loud slam. Azuma turned around, shocked by the sudden, loud noise in the quiet night. But fear gripped him like a vise when he saw the livid look on Len's face. He had never seen anyone so angry before. For Len to be angry….it had to be very, very serious.
He suddenly understood. God, he knows…Taking a step back, he watched Len as he locked them in with a key.
"What's wrong?" he asked, faking confusion. Maybe there was still a way out of this…
"Kahoko visited me today…'he growled, steadily walking to him. Azuma backed away, until he found himself against the wall.
He tried to be calm, but Len's intense eyes probed him, making him feel discernible fear. "Really…that's great what did she say…?" the casual question was ruined by the quiver in his voice.
"She had something very interesting to tell me about….you," Len snarled at the last word, his hands pinning him to the wall.
Azuma knew he could never wiggle out of this one. Len definitely knew, and he needed to save himself.
Azuma tried to gather up all the courage he could muster, and moved slightly towards Len, pushing him with his hands.
"Yes, I know, we made love…it was great" Azuma stated, carelessly, trying to walk towards Len, hoping he would be the one backing up this time. No such luck. The
statement earned him a hard punch from Len. Azuma had never been punched in the face in his life. The physical pain came as a shock to him. Momentarily stunned, he tried to maintain his balance.
Punch.
Blood oozed out of his nose. He felt himself being pinned on the ground. Len continued to beat him, kicking Azuma brutally.
Azuma knew he was stronger than Len, and would probably have the upper hand in this 'fight' if it had not been Len receiving the advantage of the first move. He tried to stand up, but Len was practically standing on him. He felt himself being dragged into the living room. He had an uneasy feeling that it wasn't Len's mother waiting for them there but…Kahoko.
She sat on the couch, her legs up, eyes shining with fear and unshed tears. But he also saw anger in them. Anger, which matched the look in Len's eyes. He knew he had to act fast. Grabbing Len's foot quickly, he used it as a support to stand up.
His tall frame towered over Len's. He sneered.
"Time for some payback…" he growled. His hands circled around Len's neck. He lifted him clear off the ground and threw him against the wall with ease, as if he were a mere cat. His head collided against the wall with a sickening thud, accompanied by a low moan.
Kahoko screamed. She ran towards Len, to see if he was okay. Azuma met her halfway.
"Hey honey…" he leered at her, grabbing her roughly by the arm.
Fear clogged her throat. She flinched when he touched her. He began to pull her towards the couch. "Didn't I tell you not to tell anyone?" he scolded, mockingly. "Now, why did you have to let Len in on our…affair…" he watched her face pale as she looked towards Len's direction. He was slumped on the floor, motionless.
Azuma caught her eye movement. He tsked. "Wait a minute….you love him don't you…?" he chuckled, mocking her.
"Let me go…." She struggled to get to Len.
"Oh I don't think so…."he brought his face close to hers. "Since Tsukimori here is not strong enough, how's about you get yourself a real man?" he pushed her on the coach and jump on top of her. "We had fun this morning, didn't we, what do you say we continue?"
Kahoko tried to push him off, but he was too heavy. He gave a mock sigh. "Feisty as always…" He kissed her roughly, his tounge nearly choking her before it moved away at the last moment. She began to cry.
Len felt his head hurt, his vision was unfocused and blurry. He remembered hearing a scream…it was Kahoko…Len tried to stand up, but found her couldn't. He was nearly unconscious, but he kept himself cognizant. I have to help Kahoko. He leaned his back against the wall, trying to use it as a support to stand. He shakily got to his feet, his unfocused eyes caught a movement on the couch,—that's when he saw them. Azuma was lying on top of Kahoko, ripping off her blouse as he kissed her fiercely.
An angry cry escaped his lips. A feeling of self-loathing invaded him. So much for the plan of revenge for Kahoko. He might as well have molested her himself, with his own hands. I brought Azuma here…I knew Kahoko was here, and I needed to protect her, but I failed. In fact, I have put her in more danger…
He shakily walked towards Azuma, barely able to maintain his balance. He shook his head vigorously. I need to protect her. I cannot let this happen again. Especially when I am here.
Azuma heard Len's cry, but ignored it, continuing to kiss Kahoko furiously. He could feel her struggling against him. He found he was having more fun than last time. Maybe it's because we have a spectator….speaking of the spectator….he could see Len from the corner of his eye, moving unsteadily towards them. He sighed reluctantly and got off Kahoko. Let's end this once and for all. He stood up, facing Len.
Kahoko breathed deeply as she struggled to get enough air to fill her lungs. Her body felt weak against the assault. She droopily sat up. Len was standing facing Azuma, his face pale. Kahoko felt a sudden rush of affection towards him. My hero. She thought, as Azuma advanced towards Len, his fist clenched. Len shoved his entire weight against Azuma. Azuma stumbled, taking a few steps back to regain his balance, his fist raised to embed a blow right into his face.
Kahoko sat up behind Azuma, a little gasp coming from her. If Len got hurt again, he won't be able to… she didn't need to think further. All the anger and frustration, which was pent up inside her burst out and with a sudden rush of strength, she yanked on a long strand of Azuma's long hair from behind. Hard. She felt relief settle over her when his hand lower, the other one coming to hold on to his hair. Kahoko continued to pull downward at wisps of his hair.
Len knew this was his only chance. He was pretty much alert now, having enough time to recover. He grabbed a picture hanging on the wall and slammed it forcefully on Azusa's head. The impact sent Azuma stumbling on to the couch, holding his head. Kahoko dodged to avoid him, as he fell on the couch.
Len showed no mercy. He hit Azuma again, temporarily dazing him.
"Get a thin, strong string….it's in the kitchen shelf. Top row, right" Len's voice was urgent. Kahoko lumbered to the kitchen, frantically searching for the object. She awkwardly handed it to him.
"This will keep the wild pervert tame" Len almost grinned, but his face was gaunt and worried. The situation could have been just the opposite… he didn't want to think about it, but if Kahoko hadn't pulled his hair…
Azuma's eyes fluttered open, gazing blankly at Len, before they grew angry. His hands struggled to free themselves, but Len had everything riding on the reliability of the knot, so he had tied it as tight as humanly possible.
"Azuma" Kahoko's voice was soft, as if mocking him by imitating his voice; drifted up to him as Len held him down.
She ran her sharp nail over his face, scratching him. He flinched, though it hardly hurt. Her eyes were wide and sad.
"Len…" she whispered. "I can't do this…"
"Kahoko!" Len scolded her, his voice laced in empathy. "Remember what he did to you now…and before!"
She covered her face, preventing the tears. She had cried enough already. "I can't be….like him" she said. She sat back on the couch, hands still hiding her face.
Len wasn't so forgiving. He held on to Azuma's head and rammed it against the wall. Blood began to flow from his forehead. He moaned.
"Len!" Kahoko held up her hand, signaling for him to stop.
She stood up again, facing Azuma; tears now fell freely from her eyes. "Why?" she whispered to him. "Why did you do this to me? What have I done to deserve this?"
Azuma heard her through the buzzing in his head. She was asking why. Suddenly, he felt stupid. Was all this really worth it? The pain he was feeling certainly wasn't….
"I…wanted to win…the competition…" he mumbled.
Confusion flickered across her face. That stupid, innocent girl….how he adored her…He gasped as he realized it. He adored her? Lusted for her, certainly, she had a great body….but adore?
"What?" Len's voice was severe.
"All those stupid boys….they're in love with you…and if I hurt you, I'd hurt them too, and I'd be the winner of the Seiso music competition" He proclaimed, in a rush.
Kahoko tried to digest what he was saying to her. They loved her? What did that mean? Kazuki, Ryoutarou, Len, Keiichi?
But there were things to do rather than ponder. "All this, just for a competition?" she asked, almost innocently.
"Yeah, honey….with promising people like me…it counts" She raised her hand and slapped him. It felt good. She slapped him again, and again, and again.
"Feel better?" Len kissed her on the forehead as she leaned against him, having relieved all the anger, bitterness, and frustration that had eluded her. She nodded in satisfaction. Len was still holding Azuma down. Bringing his face close to Azusa's, Len whispered to him in the most threatening tone possible. "Listen here, you little creep…I will let you go tonight…you will go home, pack your things and leave this country immediately. Do whatever you want…I want you out of her life…." he paused "our lives in the next 48 hours…do you understand?" Azuma nodded.
Len went on. "You will never return to Japan ever again….and if you do…" Len gestured Azuma towards the ceiling. "I have around 28 hidden cameras in this very room, and they have recorded everything that happened here…" he lowered his voice ominously. "Try coming back and you'll regret it…and so will your entire family, especially your grandmother…"
"Len, why don't we just report him to the police…" Kahoko interrupted.
"No!" Len yelled fiercely. "I don't want this scumbag anywhere near you, in jail or not! Do you understand?" he glare at the flutist.
Azuma nodded again. He wanted to say something, but something told him that silent nods were the way to go. If there were hidden cameras all around the room, it was better he kept a low profile as possible. Looking at it logically. He was more or less lucky to be alive, and had been offered a very fare deal by Len. He would pursue his higher studies in England, and be out of their lives. Better than rotting in jail. Though I will miss Kahoko…
Seeing Azuma nod, Len gripped his tied hands and pulled him to his feet. With a strong hand resting on his back, he led Azuma forcefully to the front door. He opened it with his key. The chilly night air came a quiet a shock.
"Your chauffer is waiting for you. Don't say a word to him or you'll be sorry. If he asks, tell him you and a guest had a friendly fight." He untied his hands; pushing him out "Now go, I never want to see you again" Azuma walked a few steps ahead, his head lowered.
All of a sudden, he turned around. Len's entire body tensed, preparing for another attack. But there wasn't one.
"Len" Azuma's voice was quiet as usual, but surprisingly this time carried a lot of emotion. "She's a great girl….take good care of her"
The violinist was so surprised; he didn't know what to say. He just stared at Azuma, speechless. Was he mocking him?
A single tear flowed down Azuma's cheek, and then disappeared almost immediately. Len wondered if he had actually seen it.
Len nodded slowly. Azuma was walking back to his car. He got in and drove off without a second glance. That was the last Len ever saw of Azuma Yunoki.
Len suddenly felt very awkward. Relief swept over him when he realized it was all over. Azuma was gone, and Kahoko was his to claim…
Except she wasn't. He had been a horrible boyfriend. His heart skipped a beat. Boyfriend? He wasn't her boyfriend! For god's sake, he hadn't even been able to protect her from Azuma! She almost lived through the entire trauma herself all because of me…He turned around sharply, as he felt a presence behind him. Kahoko.
As soon as he turned around, she threw herself at him, her lips touching his. He tried to halfhearted pushed her away, but her grip was firm. Heaven help me. He gave in, taking her down with him as their knees buckled. They finally parted for air, lying side by side, panting deeply. Their eyes met each other's, embarrassed but determined. A slow smirk crossed Len's face.
"You know, you were great tonight," he said, sincerely, his hands brushed aside a tendril of her hair. "It was me who couldn't…" Kahoko's hand abruptly moved to cover his mouth.
"No" she said. "You did all you could…and you saved me in the end…"
Remembering the incident, Len's gaze unintentionally landed on her blouse, or whatever was left of it. Colour rose on her face when she realized where Len was looking, but she didn't move to cover herself. She waited, expectantly, holding her breadth, eyes closed. Her heartbeat increased as she could hear him coming closer. She could feel his hot breath on her neck…his teeth gently grazed it, nibbling slowly, before he bit down.
"Ow!" Kahoko pushed him away. "That hurt!"
"Really?" he asked calmly. "You seemed to like it….last night…."
Kahoko blushed furiously, remembering the previous night.
"Really?" her eyes widened, faking innocence. "I had forgotten" she lied.
Len chuckled. "Well, my sweet little Kahoko….let me remind you…"
He stood up, and swept her up in his arms. He ran up the stairs, taking two at a time.
Kahoko squealed and yelled in delight as he threw her on to his soft bed and pounced on top of her. He kissed her fiercely, this time there were no boundaries, no inhibitions…Kahoko responded with the same longing as he did, both yearning for each other.
Finally, they both lay exhausted in each other's arms. Kahoko faced Len, an expression of contentment on her face. Len turned to face her, smiling, face shining with perspiration. She pouted.
Len ran his hand over her face. "What?" he asked her evenly. She continued to pout. An expression of mirth crossed his face. "Want to be on top?" he asked, jokingly.
Her expression remained the same.
"What?" he asked, serious now.
"Azuma…" the name brought undesired emotions. Why was she mentioning it, now? Especially….especially after they had just made out?
"Azuma…" she continued, her face serious "Why did you let him go? We could have had him behind bars! What if he tries it on another girl…"
Len grinned slowly, realizing he hadn't told her, after all. "I lied," he said curtly.
Unadulterated innocence crossed her face. It made her look adorable. Len kissed her mouth deeply. She pushed him away after a moment. "Huh?" she asked, still confused.
Len slapped his head with his hand. "Dummy…I lied about the cameras…there aren't any, in my living room, or anywhere in the house…"
She looked stunned. "You mean…you mean…"
"Yes" he kissed her again, unable to stop, loving the feeling of her lips on hers. When he broke away, she began to giggle. Len smiled. "You're a wicked little boy aren't you!" she blurted out, unable to believe she had almost blown their cover by trying to have him arrested.
Len raised his eyebrow and smirked. "Lady… you don't know half of it…." He kissed her shoulder, moving lower in slow, wet strokes.
"And what did he mean when he said 'all the stupid boys are in love with you'? All of them—Kazuki, Ryoutarou and Keiichi?" Len stopped kissing her. And Azuma, too he added silently.
He scowled at her. "Why do you want to know, anyway?" he asked, sternly. Kahoko looked up at him. Was he jealous? She smiled. He looked incredibly sexy…her eyes hooded.
"Well, I just might be interested…" she said, sighing, pretending to look dreamy.
Len rolled off her. "I shall not tolerate you mentioning of those guys in our bedroom!" he proclaimed, growling, looking moody. He sauntered out of the room in anger. 'Our' bedroom? Kahoko thought, as she ran after him.
"Len…" she called, grabbing his hand at the top of the stairs. "I was only joking! She gasped, "I was not thinking about them when you were kissing me! I swear!" she pulled at his hand, but he was still facing away from her, face blank.
She grabbed his waist from behind, leaning on his back, wrapping her hands around him, her breadth tickling his ear.
Len stood stiffly—eyes hard, mouth set—still angry at what she had said.
Her teeth gently tugged at his earlobe. "Let me prove to you that you're the only one…she whispered. "Let me make it up to you"
She saw his eyes brighten, his mouth curved into an involuntary smile. He turned around to face her slowly, and nodded curtly, but there was a mischievous glint in his eye. "Okay" he whispered, as he leaned closer to her. "Let me see what else you can do…"
She blushed and pulled him back into the bedroom, where she did just that.
FIN
Author's Note:
That has got to be the longest chapter I have ever written…..that's the end… I thought of an epilogue for the future, so if anyone wants one, please tell me!. FINALLY! MY SECOND FIC IS OVER! (Applause, please!)