Step #14:
When In Spain...
...\~/...
July 25th, 10:04 A.M.:
Boston, Massachusetts:
Tara sat on the edge of the bed, legs crossed, hands placed one on top of the other on her knee. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, eyes boring into her reflection's glare. Most people, judging on her personality, immediately assumed that she had a strong sense of pride and was content with the way she looked. In reality, Tara was just like any other woman on planet Earth; she had her insecurities. Her sandy blonde hair wasn't sitting right today and it was pissing her off, her usual ponytail placed too tight. She looked paler than normal, probably because she'd been so busy and hadn't had a proper amount of sleep in a week. And then there were the dark circles under her eyes, which she was beginning to think were permanent. Kyoya always assured her that they would fade with time, but that had been long ago, and they were still there, taunting her, torturing her. Those circles under her eyes were like bruises that reminded her that she would never fit into society's vision of beauty.
10:05 - the first alarm went off.
10:10 - the second alarm went off.
10:15 - the third alarm went off.
They gradually switched off at 10:20.
Tara continued to glare at her reflection before it turned to 10:21. She heaved a sigh, reaching down at her feet to grab her weapon. The blonde stood up, kneeling on the side of the bed with on knee, and attacked. "GET UP, KYOYA!" she yelled, repeatedly attacking the black-haired lump of a man with a pillow. Pausing to check on her progress, all she heard was a groan, and watched as Kyoya looked over his shoulder, sending his signature death glare in her direction. "Go away, you twit." the man growled before flipping back over.
Glare was not effective...
Pillow Attack!
"Get up! Get up! Get up! We have work to get done! We have trip preparations and shopping to get done! Get up now!" she shouted, smacking him across the back with her fluffy assault weapon. He didn't even budge. Tara let out a frustrated sound, stomping out of the room.
Kyoya smirked. Finally, she left.
His smirk left when he heard an air horn from down below, slowly making its way to his bedroom. Kyoya groaned, covering his head with a pillow, holding it securely and firmly so Tara couldn't rip it away from his grasp. The air horn was right above him, blaring in his ear. Kyoya decided that when the time came where he grew deaf, he was going to blame Tara. Maybe if he ignored her long enough, she'd eventually give up and leave him alone. No, this was Tara; she was stubborn and liked to deprive him of sleep. Though, she would abandon the air horn method sooner or later.
10:26.
Tara used Spatula Smacking Against Frying Pan attack!
Tara missed!
Kyoya retaliated with Rest! His HP recovered!
Tara used Water Bucket Throw!
Oh no! Kyoya's HP drained a little!
Kyoya attacked with Pillow Throw!
Tara dodged!
Kyoya used...Beautiful Secretary Calling attack?
The man sighed, reaching over to his night stand for his phone, his fingers curling around it. "Hello...?" he asked, his voice laced with annoyance. It was too early in the morning for his secretary's peppy voice. "Mr. Ootori, you finally answered! I've been calling you all morning! Will you be coming in this afternoon?" she asked, sounding happy and a little too eager. Kyoya glanced up at Tara, who had her arms crossed and foot tapping, looking pissed off. He knew that she hated his secretary.
Kyoya used Revenge!
"I may check in to see how progress is going." he replied, voice smooth, looking straight into Tara's glare.
"Oh, good! I'll- I mean, we'll be waiting!" Click.
It was effective!
"I hate her." Tara muttered, casting her eyes downward.
"I know you do."
Kyoya used Seismic Toss!
Tara yelped when Kyoya sat up quickly, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her down next to him, Tara's back pressed flush against his chest. His arms were still around her as he nuzzled the nape of her neck, smirking. "Now, go back to sleep." he mumbled, smelling her lilac shampoo that she used every night. The blonde struggled against him until she finally settled down, huffing. "There's nothing wrong with my secretary. She's not out to get me, I can assure you of that."
"Yes, she is. I saw her trying to undress you with her eyes."
"I'm sure you were just imagining things."
"No, I wasn't. She's a pervert!"
"No, she isn't. You're just jealous because she has more womanly qualities than you."
"Ah hah, so you do find her attractive!"
"No, I don't. You know more than anyone else that I'm not attracted to gorgeous women of her kind."
"Are you trying to tell me I'm not beautiful or somethin'?"
Kyoya chuckled, his breath hitting her neck. "No, my love; I find your short-tempered, overbearing, rude personality rather attractive."
"Damn right, you do."
10:36. Kyoya's cell phone rang again. This time Tara grabbed it and answered it without checking the caller ID. "I swear to God, if you call one more time, I'll find you and shoot you in the fuckin' face!" she shouted into the phone. Kyoya growled, reaching for the phone, which was still pressed firmly against Tara's ear.
"I'm sorry! This is Ripley Barrett and I need to-!"
"Obnoxious woman..." Kyoya said, prying Tara's fingers off his cell and freeing it from her grasp. With an annoyed sigh, he said into the phone, "Ootori."
A woman's voice, shaky but trying to sound confident, filled his ear. "My name is Ripley Barrett and I need to talk to you about Hikaru." Kyoya's dark eyes widened, sitting upright. Wait, Ripley Barrett as in Red Hue Ripley Barrett? Yes, that's exactly who this was. How did she get his number anyways? The last time Kaoru had visited, he had mentioned something about making regular calls to his 'future sister-in-law'. She probably got it through Kaoru. Tara sat up too, whispering, "Who is it?"
Kyoya held up a hand to silence her. "May I ask if you're the Ripley Barrett off of Red Hue?"
"Yeah, that's me. Did I call at a wrong time?"
"No, you called at the right time." He pulled the phone away, smacking Tara's hand away. "Would you stop acting like a child?" he hissed.
"I want to talk to the famous Ripley Barrett!" Tara said, grabbing for the phone, but Kyoya knocked it away, so she settled with pressing her ear against the other side of Kyoya's phone, straining to hear the conversation.
"Hikaru told me about Haruhi." Her tone was sorrowful and weak, like she felt defeated about something. Kyoya sighed; he had to wonder how he told her about it. Knowing Hikaru, he most likely threw it right at her and not easing it onto her. But he hoped Hikaru had told Ripley that he felt for her as well. Kyoya narrowed his gaze, ignoring Tara and her persistent questions about what Ripley had said and her hearing something about Haruhi. It was probably a good thing Tara wasn't able to hear the conversation. "And he called her. They talked for a good three hours."
That wasn't something he'd expected to hear.
"How are you coping?" he asked.
Ripley gave a weak laugh, "Well, it's kind of hard to hear the guy you really like say he loves another woman."
"I'm sure it is. Don't tell Tara this, but I would find it rather devastating if she told me she was in love with another man." he replied earnestly. Tara stared at him with a narrowed gaze, then slowly wrapped her arms around him, his hand laying on top of hers. "Though I'm pretty sure I'm the only man who can handle her."
"More like the only man who isn't a total dumbass, dumbass." Tara grumbled, pinching his stomach.
"I won't, but telling you that Hikaru told me about and called Haruhi was only part of this phone call." Ripley said.
He was quiet and allowed her to continue. "Do you think Hikaru's depressed?"
Kyoya looked over, meeting Tara's thoughtful gaze. Then, he said, "I'm assuming you think he is."
"Well, yeah... I mean, he's showing a lot of the symptoms. Weight loss, sleep loss, lack of interest in things he used to love, ectetera. I checked loads and loads of times to make sure so when I called you I wouldn't sound like a complete idiot. It's just...over these several months, I've felt that his mood hasn't progressed, but recently he's retreating to the way he once was when I first met him. I guess he has a reason; the love of his life did reject him after all. Maybe I'm stupid for thinking that he is..."
"No, you're not. I couldn't agree with you more."
"Really? Thank God, I was so nervous before I called because I was scared that I was wrong in assuming he was."
"His symptoms are true to depression, but I have to say he's improved since last December, and I think you have something to do with his progress, Miss Barrett."
"Like what? A distraction?"
"I wouldn't say just a distraction since I feel that he harbors some sort of feelings for you, I can even think his feelings go as far as love, but Hikaru's never been a master at controlling his emotions. I think he's realizing he's falling in love with you, but he feels the same for Haruhi, his first, and is conflicted. It's always been hard for him to let go of people since he grew up with no friends, and I assume he can't let go of Haruhi for that reason."
"Kaoru did mention that he and Hikaru grew up depending on one another and no one else."
"I'm going to go make breakfast." Tara whispered, pressing her lips against Kyoya's. Their kiss lingered for a moment before she got off the bed to leave the room.
"Miss Barrett, may I ask you something personal?"
"Um, I guess..."
"Are you in love with Hikaru?"
The line was quiet for a moment. "Heh, I guess I am."
Kyoya's gaze softened, "You are a very interesting woman, Miss Barrett."
"Thanks. Hey, do you think you could visit Hikaru some time. I know he's lonely again."
"Actually, Tara and I are going to spend the month of August in Spain. She has family there and her culinary school is going to give her credit for learning in a foreign country. We were thinking about inviting him along to keep his mind occupied."
"Sweet! I'm pretty sure it will. He told me he loves Spain."
They were both quiet.
"Well, I have to go. I have a class soon so I have to get ready and leave. "
"Fine by me. Hopefully we can talk another time."
"Oh...uh...okay." Silence for a moment. "Um...bye!" Click.
Kyoya looked at his phone, smirking. "You truly are an interesting woman, Miss Barrett."
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New York City, New York:
"Oh, hey Tara-senpai." he said into the phone as he used the thumb on his other hand to smudge charcoal into the right angles on his sketch.
"We're going to Spain in two days, so start packing."
"Wait, Tara-senpai, you can't just-!"
"We'll be at your place by ten A.M. on the twenty-seventh. Be ready." Click.
Hikaru pulled his phone away from his ear, staring at his phone.
What the hell?
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Spain. His favorite country. Its culture, its architecture, its...everything...wonderful, pure bliss. He and Kaoru had been there so many times, they knew the city of Barcelona like the back of their hands. The way people spoke in that hurried Spanish made him shiver in the good way, and he had to admit that when Tara spoke Spanish, he was in heaven. Even though it took a moment for Tara's call to sink in, he was now rushing around his apartment, throwing things into bags, excited. Spain, one of the most romantic countries in the world. He had taken Deana there once and she loved it the moment she set her feet on the ground. They had had a great time, and that was also when he had his first thoughts about marrying her and finally settling down. But now he was having other thoughts. If he and Ripley did get together, he wondered if she would travel with him, and whether or not if she would like Spain. He hoped she would...
That's when his phone rang.
Ripley...
"What's up?" he asked when he answered.
"I hate my life." she said in a monotone voice.
Hikaru straightened, his mind immediately wandering to the day before when he had finally told her about Haruhi. The phone call to Haruhi and both the conversations he had had with Ripley before and after the phone call had bounced around in his head, wanting so desperately to make sense. First, Ripley had listened to everything he had to say about Haruhi, then she persisted in him calling her and making small talk. The call with Haruhi had gone wonderfully, unlike anything he had ever imagined, where his imagination had always thought up the worst case scenarios. Afterwards, was his second call to Ripley, which he had thought would be one full of congratulations, but he had found her crying, claiming that she just injured himself.
He wasn't as stupid as everyone thought him out to be.
He knew that him being in love with Haruhi bothered her.
But she was willing to set aside her happiness to make him happy.
She reminded him so much of Kaoru sometimes, who had done the same thing so many years ago.
"What? Why?" Maybe he yelled that into the phone a bit to urgently...
"I have a speech coming up in one of my classes. I'm going to die of embarrassment." That was it? A speech?
"God, Ripley, you almost gave me a heart attack. I thought it was about Haru-" He stopped himself.
"What were you going to say? Haruhi, right?" Then, she gave a small laugh. "Don't worry; I'm cool with it."
"Are you really, though?" he questioned gently. Maybe if he coaxed her enough, she would finally open up.
"Yeah, I am. You worry too much."
"I have a right to be. Remember, I lost two other girlfriends due to telling them about her, and I'm not really keen on the idea of losing you, either."
"We aren't exactly dating..."
"Still..."
"Please, just trust me when I say that I'm okay with it because I really am."
"Then why were crying yesterday?"
"This is not where I wanted this conversation to go..." she mumbled into the phone. "Look, I don't really want to talk about it."
"Well, I do."
"Well, I don't. All I wanted to do was tell you I'm going to die in three days, so you better tell me everything you've always wanted to tell me now."
He decided to go with it and drop the Haruhi subject. "I'm going to Spain." he chirped happily, rooting through his drawers for clothes.
"Out of all the things you could've told me, you chose to rub it in my face that you're going to Spain? No love confession, or something profound?"
"Romantic, aren't I?" he teased with a grin. He found it funny how quickly their attitudes could change. He liked that. Nothing ever stayed too awkward or serious. Perfect.
"Oh yes, very. All of the ladies in my class are very jealous about how romantic my potential Red Hue soul mate is."
"I bet they are. I bet they wish they had a handsome, romantic, hilarious man in their life."
"You're so full of yourself."
"Yes, but you love me for it. Remember how you confessed your love for me yesterday?" he asked cheekily, grinning as he walked over to his closet.
"...that wasn't a love confession. That was a slip of the tongue."
"Just admit it already, you love me."
"You first."
Hikaru stopped suddenly.
Should he?
Was it time?
Maybe it was...
"Oh shit!" Ripley shouted into the phone.
"What?! What's happening?!"
"I'm going to be late to lunch with the Roomies! I'll call you later, okay?"
"Yeah, that's fine. Have fun, okay?"
"I will. Oh, and we'll have to talk over Red Hue when you're in Spain because I can't make international calls."
"You're going to be late."
"I'm just saying... Oh, and-"
"I'm hanging up now. You need to hurry up or you'll be late!" he laughed.
"Fine! Goodbye, then!" Click.
...\~/...
July 27th, 9:30 A.M.:
Hikaru didn't have time to open the front door before Tara did, who was kneeling on the floor with a bobby pin. Kyoya stood behind her with his arms crossed, light reflecting off his glasses. Hikaru narrowed his eyes, frowning. "Kyoya-senpai, I wish you would control your girlfriend. She's going to get arrested someday." he said. Kyoya returned the frown, replying, "You don't think I've tried?" Kyoya was annoyed, no doubt about it. He must've been irked about getting up so early. Knowing Tara, she probably flipped the bed over in an attempt to get him up. She was one of the only people that wasn't effected by his death glare; she found it more infuriating than anything else.
Tara stood up, pushing past Hikaru. When she saw the amount of luggage he had, she stopped in an instant. "Hikaru, we're going to Spain for a month, not for the rest of our lives."
"Well, I just wanted to make sure I had enough."
"You have...seventeen, eighteen, nineteen...you have twenty-one bags. And what in the...? Do you have a body in that one?"
"No... Um, that's my hair products..."
"Your hair care-! Dear lord, and to think I'm the woman here. I pray for Ripley when you two actually start dating." Tara muttered, touching her forehead, stomach, and shoulders in a cross motion. "Dear God, please give Ripley the power of patience and to me as well 'cause I already want to strangle him." Tara gestured towards the bags, "Lower it down to five bags. Take things that you need."
"I need this stuff." Hikaru retorted.
"Hikaru..." a voice behind him said. The cool, yet irritated voice of Kyoya caused the hairs of the back of Hikaru's neck to rise. "Narrow it down."
"Yes, sir." And he started immediately.
Tara gaped, "You listen to him, but you won't listen to me?! What the hell?!"
Hikaru looked up at her. "He has the power to summon demons from Hell; you don't."
The blonde opened her mouth to say something insulting, but instead she said, "Touché."
...\~/...
August 2nd:
Dear Ripley,
I am so, so, so, SO sorry I haven't been able to message you. I've been so busy this past week, it's not even funny. The moment we touched down, Tara's Aunt Alejandra threw us into her car, drove us to her house, and put us to work. Alejandra owns her own restaurant and Tara is "studying" (she already knows how to cook Spanish food, but Tara said she didn't so she can get credit) under Alejandra. She made Kyoya and I waiters, even though I don't know any Spanish whatsoever. Kyoya knows a bit because of Tara. We've run errands everyday, Tara's been trying to teach me common phrases that I need for the job, Alejandra's granted us some time to explore Barcelona, and every night, I just pass out. So again, I'm sorry for not messaging you.
Anyways, como estas?
From,
Hikaru
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Dear Hikaru,
No, that's fine. I've been pretty busy as well. I had exams the other day to mark the end of summer classes. That speech I was telling you about was my exam. I got a B- on it because I stuttered a lot and I even had to pause to gather my thoughts and everything. Never taking a speech class again. Now, I have to take a math class, a CAD course, another art class, and Russian 101. So excited for Russian! Though I probably won't meet an actual Russian... That saddens me... So, I'm going to be loaded with homework, plus my new job. The arboring business has to go on hiatus for awhile. Not enough money, so we're all working at Kraft. It's like we're continuing the many generations of Kraft workers. The place does pay good money.
Estoy cansada y enferma. (I'm tired and sick.) Took three years of Spanish in high school. Plus, I have a cold right now.
From,
Ripley
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Dear Ripley,
WHAT?! The business had to go on hiatus?! But...but... It's going to be so weird about you not talking about the business. Well, at least I don't have to constantly worry about you cutting off a limb or falling out of tree or something. How's your dad coping about it? He must be pretty busted up about it. And four classes?! Are you sure you're going to be able to keep up with it. I can barely keep up with one sometimes... I've been to Russia a couple of times. They're very strict about tourists and hate it when you goof off. Kaoru and I found that out the hard way when our class in middle school went on a bonding trip there. The accents were cool though, but Russian is known to be a harsh language. Everything they said made me feel like they were insulting me or something. German's the same way.
If you hadn't told me what that meant, I would've been clueless.
From,
Hikaru
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Dear Hikaru,
Why are we still using 'dear' and 'from' in our messages? Yeah, dad's pretty upset about it, but he's taking online gunsmithing courses, so he can train under his friend afterwards. Compeitition got too much and people started hiring us less and less. Bastards, all of them. Dad broke up with his girlfriend...again...because of not having a job right now. She thinks she needs to be supported at all times, rather than getting a job of her own. Lazy bitch... I hate that woman just as much as you hate Kaoru's girlfriend. Oh, you won't believe it, but Mark got a girlfriend. And she's actually cool this time. Mark has a tendency of picking the freakiest of women and they're usually all rude, but this one's really nice. And she's a book editor, so she told me that if I ever complete a novel (in progress), she would look it over for me. And yes, four classes. I'm actually kind of pumped up about them.
Ha, I know more Spanish than you~!
Oh, and how's Spain, despite all the grueling work you've had to do. You told me once that you love Spain.
And way to go, rubbing in the fact that you've traveled the world and I have not. Nicely done, nicely done.
From,
Ripley
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Dear Ripley,
I don't know why; maybe we're using them for old times sake? I never would've guessed you would be capable of so much hate for someone. Mark? A girlfriend? No way. It can't be possible, but lucky for you that she's an editor. Kind of convenient, is it not? I'm kind of scared to ask, but what were Mark's past girlfriends like? And what is up with all these really rude girlfriends? Let's see, there's your dad's girlfriend, all of Mark's girlfriends, Clarisse, all my past girlfriends (a couple are an exception), and for anyone else in the world that has a rude girlfriend. Well, have fun learning a language you'll probably never use!
Oh, ha ha, aren't you smart?
Spain's fine, but it's kind of nostalgic. Everywhere we go, I usually think of Kaoru, since we come here together a lot. I have a lot on my mind right now.
Aren't I a bastard?
From,
Hikaru
...\~/...
Dear Hikaru,
One of Mark's girlfriends was covered from head to toe with tattoos. Now, tattoos are fine, but they were tattoos of her past boyfriends' faces. And Mark's face was on her leg! It was the weirdest thing ever. I asked her once why she didn't get them removed and she told me they were reminders of all the assholes she dated. I was like, "Ooookay..." Another girl cried a lot. Crying's not so bad, but she cried every five minutes, I'm NOT kidding. You can ask MJ; she'll vouch for me. His previous girlfriend was like Quin, so she wasn't so weird, but Mark broke up with her when he found out that in order to live with her, he'd have to sleep in the same bed with one of her snakes. I guess sleeping with snakes is kind of weird... And I will have fun learning a language I'll probably never use!
Yes, I am smart. Smarter than you.
What's on your mind?
Yes, yes you are.
From,
Ripley
...\~/...
Dear Ripley,
Sounds like Mark's girlfriends had some issues...
At least I understand chemistry.
You're starting to sound like Tara, which is kind of scary, not gonna lie.
From,
Hikaru
P.S. I have to go because Alejandra wants me to work the dinner shift, so that's why this message is so short.
...\~/...
August 13th:
Dear Hikaru,
Russian 101 is AWESOME! And all my others classes are alright. CAD course is kind of difficult because the teacher speeds through everything and it's hard to keep up, but the people that sit around me are pretty cool. Other than that, the week's been pretty chill. Although, my new job is pretty rough. I work with a lot of people my mom used to work with so they've been helping me a lot, but the work is horrible. Bruises, burns, cuts, you name it, I probably have it. Factory work's more gruelling than being a waiter... How's Spain now? Still making you nostalgic?
From,
Ripley
P.S. Fun Fact: I still have that fat Spiderman picture you gave to me a long time ago. I completely forgot I put it in my wallet.
...\~/...
Dear Ripley,
Spain's okay. Routine the past to weeks: job, some touring, errands, talking to you, Spanish lessons, then sleep. Um, excuse me, but being a waiter can be hard work too, especially when two equally scary individuals (Tara and Alejandra) are ordering you around. One slip up and it could be the end of my life. And great, now I'm going to be worrying about you getting hurt at your new job. Just when I thought I could relax and not have to think up all the worst case scenarios that consisted of you losing limbs or important organs or something. Why can't you work at a cafe or flower shop, something that isn't life-threatening? Even though I love Spain, I'm ready to go home. I don't know, but I'm not enjoying the trip as much as I thought I would.
From,
Hikaru
P.S. Question to your Fun Fact: Do you also have that Flash picture I sent you?
...\~/...
Dear Hikaru,
I'm sorry you're not enjoying Spain, but I'm sure it'll get better in the next week or two. Sounds like you have a busy schedule, too. How's your Spanish going? Russian's going great; did I mention something about it because you didn't answer. My boss is okay. He's nice enough, but he's just like any other Kraft supervisor - stupid, arrogant, and rather annoying. And I think it would be fun to work in a café or flower shop, but I'm not going to, so don't worry.
From,
Ripley
P.S. Answer to your Question to my Fun Fact: Yes, I do, but I like the fat Spiderman picture better.
...\~/...
Dear Ripley,
Wait, do you know something about Spain that I don't? Is something supposed to happen that I don't know about?
From,
Hikaru
...\~/...
Dear Hikaru,
Seriously, that's all you say? And no, I don't. Saying your trip will get better is just a kind thing to say.
Hey, I have to go so I'll talk to you later. I'm on my break at work right now.
From,
Ripley
...\~/...
August 25th:
Dear Ripley,
YOU DID KNOW SOMETHING! My hands are shaking so much I can't even type. So, this morning I woke up and I felt someone in my bed, and I was about to attack them because I thought it was some kind of creeper, but it was Kaoru! He came to Spain! So that's why I came up with the conclusion that YOU KNEW SOMETHING! It wasn't only Kaoru though; Hunny, Mori, and Hunny's wife, Reiko came too. And Tamaki...he came too... I've taken three pain killers and I still have a pounding headache. Tamaki's been practically bouncing off the walls since he got here and he's beginning to get on my nerves. Don't worry though, Haruhi's not here. Tamaki said something about her being too busy to come to Spain. Guess what! She called me again to apologize about her not being able to make it! I love how we're able to just pick up our old friendship after two years of not talking to one another.
From,
Hikaru
...\~/...
Dear Hikaru,
Yeah, I did know something. Kaoru called me and told me that he was going to Spain to visit you. He also mentioned something about leaving his girlfriend behind so you two could have some brotherly bond time. :D Hey, did he tell you about his new assistant? I guess she's an ultra feminist and has been causing trouble for his girlfriend, saying that she needs to be independent rather than dependent. Pretty funny in my opinion. Hika, I wouldn't have worried if Haruhi had been there. Like I said, I'm okay with it. And congrats on talking to her again! You two must've had a pretty strong friendship to just be able to pick up where you left off.
From,
Ripley
...\~/...
Dear Ripley,
Are you sure you're okay about Haruhi?
From,
Hikaru
...\~/...
Dear Hikaru,
Yep! I most definitely am! So, do you guys have another scheduled phone call?
From,
Ripley
...\~/...
Ripley,
It bothers me how you're not telling me that you're bothered by it. Why can't you just tell me the truth?
Hikaru
...\~/...
Hikaru,
Hey, just believe me, okay?
By the way, I have a surprise for you!
But I won't tell you until the 30th, the day before you leave from Spain.
- Ripley
...\~/...
Ripley,
Why the 30th?! Why can't you tell me now?! I hate suspense!
Hikaru
...\~/...
Hikaru,
Ah, suspense... What a splendid thing!
- Ripley
...\~/...
August 30th:
Ripley,
It's August 30th! What's the surprise?!
Hikaru
...\~/...
Hikaru,
Well, one of the reasons I applied at Kraft is because they pay good money. I get my paycheck every two weeks. Today, I checked my bank account and I now have around a thousand dollars. Yesterday, I signed up for a trip to see New York City's Art Institute campus, just so I can keep my options open in case I transfer. Believe it or not, I have a potential Red Hue soul mate that lives in New York City.
So, in other words, I'm coming to visit you in about two weeks. September 10th to be more specific.
WE'RE FINALLY GOING TO MEET!
- Ripley
...\~/...
His heart nearly burst when he read that.
I'M BAAAAACK! So, chapter 14 was supposed to be a Kyoya/Tara chapter, but I lied. My bad! I lied about a lot of things in last chapter's Author's Note. Never, ever take my notes to heart because I usually don't follow them. Anyways, chapter 14! And Hikaru and Ripley are going to slightly meet in the next chapter! WOO! Excitement! I hope the get the next chapter done in...about...the next year maybe. It seems whenever I give myself a deadline, I never meet it, so I thought a year would give me a little room.
Have a nice day!
Author's Note - Fin