Chapter 21
Look who is back! I didn't take five months this time! (Almost four months, but not five, psh.) But seriously, this chapter was hard. I kept rewording, redoing, and reediting everything. Oh well. But enough me making excuses. Onto the reviews!
PandaPuppet- Thanks! I always try my best to meet your guys' expectations!
Minami Ren- Update… soon… I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. I must make it look bad since I update so inconsistently. But I'm grateful that you like my story!
Honeycloud of RiverClan- I don't believe in the end of the world, otherwise I'd scare myself half to death, haha. As for the little advice, poor little Rinny doesn't expect a thing from 'innocent' Tei. That's what makes it fun.
13- Hehehe, I'm not scared of Slenderman (only horror based creature/man thing I'm not afraid of) but I was faster than last time so… Haha, I've still got a few chapters until the end! Maybe three or four, so don't finish up Spoiled yet!
Aira2889- Thank you!~ You reviewed my story a lot, so thank you for contributing to my 400 plus reviews! Back to the story, Tei is a very usable antagonist for sure. She already has an obsession for Len and knives anyways, so I'm not changing her real character too much. Oh! I need to continue that proposal (Len took a knee, his breath held, and pulled out the diamond ring. Rin, who stood above him, watched him in surprise. And then she busted out laughing and punched him in the jaw, sending him flying to the heavens) Yes. That is doable.
Xitlatit123- Psh, I hate the sea. And the air. I'd much rather stay on land, so I'd more likely die of an earthquake, just saying XD Hehe, Rin is a lot more childish than she likes, but she has to keep a good, mature image for Len. Thank you again for your review!~
TeamKagamineForever- It's been too long, I hope you didn't abandon me, Lili-chan! I've seen how you progressed in writing too, your stories are really good! Keep it up! Haha, back to this story, I love writing best friends/greatest enemy types of support characters and Miki is easily one of my favorites. She is just so brutal, it's cute! Now for Tei, she's a lot more… insane. Be careful if you're going to fight her, Lili-chan! Thank you so much for your support! You're so nice (:
Wolfemutt- Glad to know that I haven't lost any faith from you! I'm sorry for the long intervals between updates, I'm trying my best to make them shorter! Hopefully, you didn't have to read the story all over again this time ^^'
x-ElliKagami-x- Will they kiss soon? Hue, hue, hue…. Haha, joking. Yes, it'll come up soon! Wait for a bit longer, I promise!
Wisarute- Hey, Mai! :D I'll contact you right after this, okay? So wait for my PM~ And I did not kill of Rin!... Yet. I love you Mai~
Nutella Hoarder- Everyone LOVES cliffhangers, my dear child. And why concerned about violence? Every story must have some drama and action! Haha, kidding, you know I love you. Thanks for (constantly) reminding me to update, by the way!
BlowMeAKiss1366- Your compliments made me giggle like the little school girl I am. Thank you! I'm really glad you like my work, I hope I didn't disappoint you this chapter!
TimusVPF- Thanks for the implied advice about the 'you're' and 'your'. It reminded me to watch out for any other pesky homophones that I tend to misuse sometimes. I hope this chapter is a lot better than the others and thanks for reading! As for the review replies, it's because some of these reviews have questions or comments that others might want to see me reply to, so I just leave it open to everyone. I do PM a few personally, though, if they are asking for favors or demand immediate answers. Thank you for your compliments!
xXlittlekagamiXx- I'm sorry! I know the updates are very far apart, but I'm trying to close the huge time gaps. Hope I didn't frustrate you too much! And thanks for the holiday greetings, I had an amazing Christmas and New Year's!
Sadako- I'd never leave you! I swear! Thanks for keeping faith in me, your reviews are always so great! Haha, it seems like everyone liked the confession so I'm feeling a lot more relieved. I actually liked writing the confession, it was just hard to come up with the idea. (I'm used to the cheesy way of saying I like you so…) Rin and Tei are going to have their little alone time, not even Len could stop them. Thank you forever, Sadako~
Jessi-chan9867- Haha, Tei is pretty brutal, we all know that, so use gloves if you're going to fight her. Thanks for the review!
Setsuro-chan- Yes your reviews have that effect on me! They're just so uplifting, it makes me want to come over and just hug you! Your reviews are just so nice and everything, thanks! Also, writing isn't really my talent, I actually had to be tutored in elementary because my writing was so bad. It was the combined efforts of three instructors to get me to write like this ^^' Thanks for understanding why I'm late too, I'm put in the exact position as you when it comes to being able to use my laptop… Good luck on updating your stories too!
KurinM- And you made my day with your review (: I'm glad you like my writing so much, too! I don't know if I'm as great as you say, but it makes me feel fuzzy all the same. Thank you for your review, and I hope you had happy holidays as well!
RinnyFanboy- I love your username, it's awesome! Thanks for liking my story, though I can't guarantee Rin's safety…
Katy Kit- Was it confusing? Sorry! I'm not that great at writing confession, and I tried to do something different, but I guess it wasn't that original ^^' Oh well, thanks for the feedback!
Blue Neonlightshow- Psh, yeah Miku trains them, doesn't mean that Rin is unnaturally buff and skilled at martial arts. Now for your Len expression, I'll give you an 'A' for effort, but I'll need to actually see it to believe it *snaps fingers*.
SacredWings5- Your compliments are overwhelming, thank you so much. Of course I can't forget this story when so many people are looking forwards to it, it would put me in guilt for the rest of my life! Haha, I'm delighted (I need a better word than this) that you think of me as a great writer, and I only hope to improve!
Itsraininbubbles- Len can't hear you, he's hiding from the imaginary thunderstorm I'm making him go through. Mwahahahaha! Hehe, thanks for the review, and I hope you had great holidays as well!
Sapphireillusion- thank you! I'm glad you like it!
Juzinha89- I hope you had a Merry Christmas! Anyway, I decided to insert a chapter with Len's background story soon. Maybe not next chapter but the one after, and I'll make sure to write all about his family too. Just for you, of course XD I'm glad you liked the confession, I worked hard on that, and also about the bit with Len's idiocy. Now with Tei. I, myself, am not good with making mind games so I tried to incorporate it… Hopefully you won't be disappointed with it ^^' Anyhow, this story actually took some drama already, so I tried making it more light-hearted and not as dark. Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad I can write my very best for all of you!
x-MiyakoNakamura-x- Thanks for the compliment! I don't know about amazing, but you really boosted my self-confidence as a writer. And don't worry about your writing, just keep learning and improving and you'll just keep getting better!
Lolly1o1- I couldn't eat my candy after I got my tooth out, Mr. K made me throw it away… haha, thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you liked my story!
MochiLovesGilbert- Lucky, you live in snowy regions. We get lots of dry wind where I'm at, so my lip is constantly in pain. Thank you for the compliment! You're an awesome reviewer! (: Hope I didn't make you wait too long! (It's still snow season.. right?)
Maharlxlaharal- … I tried to make a holiday fic this year. I tried so hard. But I failed. Because, you know, I procrastinated and wasted my time eating cookies. I'm sorry, I'll do better to prepare next year. But the banana hugging an orange idea was cute! I saw a lot of keychains at this one store like that, so I'm going to check again to see if I can find that ;) Oh! And Len doesn't pull the restraining order because he's still technically friends with Tei. At the moment. Hehe, *catches knife* this will come in handy… Thanks for your review! (Even though I already replied to it, here's another version!)
Dragonage08- You have a perfectly good life! Hehe, don't stay up to late now, it's not good for you :D Thanks for your reviews~
Anime-Addict-no-1- Psh, I gave Len a fabulous make-over! *pose* Haha, thanks for your reviews!
Another1270- Misaki is a bit stricter with rules, but otherwise, nearly the same! (But Len is nothing like Usui! Oh well, another character, another story, right?) Yes, puppy eyes are equivalent to Nudge's Bambi eyes XD Haha, for a moment, I didn't know what you were talking about. It's been a long time since I've read Max Ride.
Kagami Star- Love you too, of course! About Tei, she doesn't see herself as a fangirl but as an equal of Len so… haha, anyhow, Rei might be coming back! If I can fit him in somewhere, but he's not all that easy to write. Oh well, thanks for the compliment! It makes me happy to see you guys like my story so much!
TheAwesomeOne- You are the best, always reminding me to update (with Stephy) thank you so much, Mutti! I loveth you!~
Guest- … I see. Thank you for your feedback? XD
BlueAnimeBunnies- and I like your username! Haha, it's cute. Thanks for enjoying my work!
RiaHiromishimo- But Rin doesn't know it's trouble, so she has no choice, does she? Thank you for liking Spoiled!
YOLOL- I don't know if I can follow this. Of course, I tried not to make her too annoying, but at the same time, she is the antagonist of the story. Of course I don't want her to be all alone in the end, I actually love Tei's voice and songs, but her behavior might not be what you wanted so… I apologize in advance.
Nyaa- I'm sorry, but I made a promise to finish Spoiled before I update any other story. I will update all of my other unfinished works after this is done, I promise! Just give me some more time!
Adorable Reader- Thank you, and I love your review! Sorry for late update, by the way ^^'
POKESPE-FAN- It's fine, as long as you so much read and enjoy the story, I'm happy! Oh yeah, I am working on editing Finding You, they should be replaced soon! So keep a look-out and thanks for supporting me!
DuffQuick- Miku is a sadistic boss who tortures girls while wearing a pretty smile. Yes, she is very scary, and fun to write. Haha, thanks for the review!
Puplered- Thanks! I'm glad for the review!
FluffIsMyLife- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I updated as fast as I could! I hope you're not too mad at me ^^' Thanks for the boost of motivation!
KagamineRinLen- Thank you for offering! I look forwards to working with you!
Splashstep- Shhhh, it's meant to be a surprise ;)
Guest- I apologize, I naturally write pairings that I prefer so… I'm sorry for the inconvenience ^^' I can't do much, so I'm really sorry for any side pairings you don't like.
Enjoy~
Disclaimer- I do not own Vocaloid
Rin POV
I was walking in unknown streets, at night, with an uber-famous celebrity clinging to my arm. Any sane boy with hormones would kill to be in my position, don't you think? Ha, even I'm a little star-struck by Tei, she gives off an aura of pride and self-confidence that pretty much radiates power. But if anything, it just makes my situation even more awkward. Very awkward.
When she asked me to take a walk with her, I honestly thought she just wanted to go around the block and back. But instead, she just kept going and going without looking even the least bit concerned. Not only that, but it seems that Tei also was planning on telling me her entire life story from birth to present. I'm not really complaining, it's just strange that she wanted to talk to me, of all people. Especially when she could've talked to her other famous friends or her councilor or someone else of more important.
"You know, Rin, my mother and father divorced right after my debut. It became this big deal and all the magazines kept interviewing on the matter, as if I wanted to be constantly reminded about it," she had a very strong grip on my arm, and even though I had become somewhat mute she kept pushing me to listen. "And to make it worse, Mom remarried almost a month after she got child custody. Hah. Turns out she was cheating on Dad. You can imagine the publicity I got then, all my family troubles revealed right after I become known to the world."
"That's rough." I commented lamely.
"It was but my popularity sky-rocketed because of that, I guess, so now my mother is on and off dating some guy that-"she stopped, shaking her head. "As for my father, I don't know where he is. After he lost the court, he disappeared. Changed his number and everything, and I don't want to track him because it would send my mom into a fit if she found out."
"Do you want to find him?"
"Sort of, just to see what he's doing now," she shrugged, "I hope he's not on the streets or doing anything bad, you know?"
"Yeah," I nervously tried to get her to let go with a casual turn of my elbow.
"You know," Tei smiled, tightening her grip on me."-when I grow up, I'm going to marry an honest guy and actually love him so that our kids won't go through the same thing."
"That sounds nice."
"More people should be like that," she sighed dreamily.
"If only." I murmured, the nervous hair on my neck hasn't been going down in a while.
"My agent keeps pushing me to get a boyfriend." she whined quietly, "She says it makes me look better to the public."
"That's not fun to deal with."
"Then there's all the Press too," Tei continued, pressing against my side, I tried not to edge away so obviously. "Always trying to find more news to bury on someone, little things like dating and love riles them up so much, it's frustrating."
Vaguely, I remembered a recent news report about Len and Tei and nodded in agreement.
"Some of those reports are really stupid, don't know what to believe and sometimes it's so stupid I can't even care," that was the longest sentence I've said ever since I've been with her.
"According to the Press, we're gods and goddesses that can't even do normal things," she mumbled, her hand tightening ever still.
"So that's why Len is so conceited." I scoffed, "With all his money and the Press influencing him, it's no wonder."
"Is it?" she nearly twisted off my arm with a sudden jerking movement. I yelped and she let go quickly. "Sorry."
"It's fine." I winced, rubbing my shoulder, using this as an excuse to wander away from her.
"So how's your life been, Rin?" Tei asked suddenly, making me look back.
"Same as ever," I answered, massaging my joint, "I don't get a lot of drama."
"How's your family? Speaking of which, I've been to your house before, but they weren't home, were they?" Tei eyed me innocently.
I chewed my lip casually, fixing my bow while I judged on how to answer that. "I don't have siblings," I shrugged.
"Ah, so you're an only child like me?" Tei asked and I nodded slowly. Her red eyes gleamed curiously, "and your parents?"
"They're, uh." I looked at the building next to us, suddenly very interested in the structure, "they passed two years ago."
"Oh," she gasped loudly in surprise, "I'm so sorry, how'd they- ah, never mind."
"I don't want to talk about it." I said apologetically, "Sorry."
"No, no. It's my fault for bringing it up, I'm so sorry," she covered her mouth in horror. I grinned.
"Nah, it's fine. I've coping and I have a lot of help."
"That's right; you've been given monthly payment from Kagamine Co. right?"
"Yeah."
"You really are lucky then," Tei said hopefully, "to have so many people supporting you."
"I suppose." I shrugged, easing my chest.
"And you have Len too, right? How lucky," she giggled quietly. I shrugged again, trying hard not to blush in front of her.
"It's been nice to have a housemate, I guess." I admitted.
"Just a housemate?" she laughed, "Len is more than that, right?"
"Well, he can be fun to talk to when he's not calling himself a prince," I admitted.
"He's more than just a great friend," she laughed lightly. "He's the kind of guy you want supporting you for the rest of your life."
"Is he?" I joined in the laughter. "I don't know about that yet, but you've known him longer."
"Well, he's funny and cute, and he'll listen to you talk when you're in trouble," she sighed, "When I first met him, he was so nice to me and when my parents divorced, he was there for me."
"I see." I nodded, "That sounds like him."
"You know, Rin, I really like him."
That was sudden. I turned back to her, surprised to see her look so determined. I swallowed, Len told me this before, right? So this shouldn't be new to hear, but coming from her, it makes me feel a little intimidated.
"You do?"
"I think I may love him," she nodded; I tried not to look nervous.
"That's nice," I replied, my feet began to walk again. She followed me.
"I always turn to him when I need help, he can always cheer me up, and he's the closest friend I have," Tei continued, making me feel even more unsettled then before. "He understands me entirely, and I trust him completely. After my dad ran off, I feel that he's all I have left, you know? Without him there, I don't know what to do."
"That's…" my voice trailed off; unease making me slightly at lost for words.
"I told him about my feelings though, not too long ago," she sighed, looking downcast. "But, you see, there's this person he already likes. He didn't tell me directly, but I already have a feeling who. Because of her, he turned me down and said that I was like his sister," she shook her head sadly before continuing. "It hurt, I was sure that he returned my feelings for him, but then-"she stopped, sighing again.
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said as I scanned the area quickly once again. I didn't recognize our surroundings.
"I really don't have anything against this girl," she added, "she's nice and everything, but she really doesn't belong with Len. She doesn't suit him, and it really doesn't look like she likes him back. She doesn't need him, so it's unfair, don't you think? Not to mention they look a lot like siblings, it's weird."
I closed my eyes and turned to face her, hoping that I looked stronger than I felt. She watched me calmly, "So then, they shouldn't be together, right Rin?" there was a hard look in her eye. I let out a breath, my nerves were on fire. "I don't know what I would do if Len were to be with her."
"I'm sorry," I said sincerely.
"I don't exactly blame you," she said easily, her voice smooth. "It's his father's fault for putting him at a girl's house. A lonely one's at that, of course you're going to fall for him, given all the attention he gives you. Must be nice, huh?"
"Well-"I was a bit stung by the insult, but she cut me off.
"It's almost like a fairytale, dreary Cinderella meets the famous Prince Charming and they fall in love." Tei laughed, sounding almost wistful, her footsteps stopping. I instinctively stopped as well, looking around nervously. I shivered when I realized how empty the street was. "I don't want to become the ugly step-sister or the evil mother. But then again, it's not a fairy tale, is it? It really hurts me, Rin. You're not good with him, he's the heir of one of the largest manufacturing names, and he's a singer and he's a movie star. You don't catch up. All of his fans would hate you for being so ordinary. But, you see, I'm a close friend of his. People have already expected us to get together. Plus, I know him the best."
"What does that prove?" I asked, half-startled at how defiant my voice sounded. Tei laughed melodically, putting her hand in the large front pocket of her jacket.
"I've known him longer, right? I know plenty of things about him you don't," she giggled. "I like him because I know him and can relate to him, what about you?"
"I know you two are close friends, but that doesn't have to mean anything!" I bit out impulsively, still hurt from her insults. Rather than getting annoyed, she laughed again.
"Oh, it's more than that," she began to look smug. "I know so much more about him than you."
"So?" I crossed my arms, despite the fact I had the strangest urge to run.
"He trusts me in these things rather than you," she smirked. I scowled at her with
a sudden feeling of irritation.
"What things?"
"His family, for one. Have you heard of his mother?"
"No, I haven't." I admitted; she shrugged.
"That was public news too. Wow, you really don't get out much, do you? Living parentless for three years must be like hibernating under a rock."
"I've been busy." I glared, "Sitting around and catching up to other people's drama isn't going to last me long."
"Ah, but this is your boyfriend's past, right? You should at least know him a little bit," she responded lightly, although the bitter undertone was there. "Rin, I think you're my friend and I would hate for some boy to ruin that."
Some boy. As much as I would love to agree with her, she openly blamed my parents for my unsocial habits. Besides, I already established that the big idiot wasn't just 'some boy', right?
"I don't want to fight you for Len," I let out calmly, staring straight into her eyes.
"I wasn't going to fight," she smiled, "I just wanted you to know that I'm not letting him go."
"You think I'm going to?" I snorted, "I don't like messing with relationships at all, but that doesn't mean I'm going to just give up so quickly."
"Not going to give up?" she echoed, "Rin, you don't understand. I need him. He's the only one who will understand me; he's the closest person I have. Without him, I won't be able to deal with my mother alone."
"Len can still support you," I muttered, "as a friend, can't he?"
"I can say the same to you," she looked at me coldly, a glare which I returned. "The reason why you like him is because he doesn't make you feel lonely, right?"
"I wasn't lonely in the first place."
"Right," she looked me accusingly, "you haven't told anyone about what really happened during the accident, right? That must be something awfully horrible to bear alone."
"Excuse me?"
"You that rumor going around," Tei smiled, feigning sympathy, "about your parents' death." I narrowed my eyes, trying to look confused, but sudden anxiety was creeping in my chest.
"What are you talking about?" I tested warily; she grinned even wider. I hesitated, "it was a car accident, and there was no culprit."
"Well, what I heard was that your mother wasn't the one in the speeding car, right?" she paused, waiting for a response, but I didn't change my expression. She shrugged, "apparently, the other guy involved in the crash was someone your mother pissed off way back in high school. Something about she ruined his life; your mom was a bully? That explains a lot, doesn't it?
"Anyways, sounds like the guy spent a lot of his life wanting to get back at her. When he heard she settled down with a family, he wanted to get rid of all of you, right? He planned out everything; he was waiting for your car that day, thinking that all three of you were in there and crashed right into it! But you were at home with a cold, right? Isn't that what happened?"
"Tei!" I snapped quickly, an aching gnaw pulling on my chest. "Where did you hear that?"
"Around," she replied easily, "I found out a lot more too. With all that going on, I'm actually kind of scared to hang around you! What if there are more enemies that are after you? That's scary; I can't believe you're endangering Len like that."
"No one is going to be after me." I said lowly, struggling to keep my voice level. "My mom's gone. Anyone else who hated her doesn't care anymore, as long as I don't bother them."
"Oh, and I feel so bad about your dad." Tei ignored me, walking towards the wall of a closed building idly. "He was an honest man, right? What was his name? I remember it… Kaito? How he fell in love with a delinquent like your mom…" She tsked in disappointment.
"My mom wasn't bad." I defended bitterly, she looked back at me.
"She was a bully, never got any passing grades, was part, if not the leader, of a street gang, and was kicked out of her family. She was terrible!"
"You didn't know her!" I need to get away from her, I need to get home. "Don't judge her just because of that!"
"You're just like her, aren't you?" Tei's hand left her pocket, she inspected me. "Left behind, alone, violent and unruly, right? But Len isn't your 'Kaito'."
"I'm not my mom!" I shouted, my shoulders rising.
"I'd be humiliated if my mom was like that too-"
"Stop bringing my family into this!" I spat, I wanted to run more than anything, but my pride was coming over me.
"Look, Rin, Len is mine," she spat, "he only likes you, but he will always love me! He belongs to me."
"He's not some kind of item!" my voice raised angrily, its pitch getting higher. "He has a brain and some reasoning! He can do whatever he wants!"
"Well he's not looking the right way!" she shouted, red eyes flashing angrily. "Why would he go to you? You're ordinary and so unstable!"
"At least I'm not some half-wit drama queen who thinks she can live a movie scene!" the words had only hardly left my mouth, when I felt her grab and twist back my arm, slamming me face first into the brick wall. I screeched with shock and pain.
"I didn't want to fight you over Len," she hissed into my ear, the books in my bag ramming into my side in all the movement, "but I'm not letting him go make a huge mistake, so you understand, right?"
"Let go of me!" I fought, pressing against the wall with my forehead, freeing my mouth and nose for air.
"Why don't you beat me up and escape?" she taunted, pushing against my back roughly, "you can do that right? Don't let my 'drama queen' appearance stop you."
"Of course I can't," I growled, struggling to get out. "Get off of me, Tei!"
"Thinking about it, wasn't your mom's friends into violence too? Your boss is one of them, right? My, my, always involved with the baddies, aren't you, Rin?"
"Says the one smashing my head into a wall!" I accused, struggling against her grip.
"If only Len never got involved with you, I can imagine the torture you'll put him through if you stay with him. I can't have that; I'll have to save him, right?" she grinned; the rough texture of the bricks scratched my face painfully. "You wouldn't want him to suffer all because of you, right?"
I kicked out instinctively with my right leg, sending up as far as it would go. I felt her leg come in contact as she hissed. She released me in the moment and I jumped away quickly. Stumbling a few feet, I looked back at her to find that she had bent down. My eyes fell to the floor in front of her and a lump landed in my throat. There was a knife on the ground and she was picking it up.
Of course, she has the sharp, lethal weapon and you have your good ole book bag. Way to go, Rin.
Now's not the time for sarcasm.
I watched with renewed shock as Tei picked up the dagger and began twirling it playfully between her fingers. She smiled lopsidedly at me.
"Just tell him to get out of your house, and we're good. I'll forget this happened."
"You don't want to use that," I eyed the pointy, metal blade warily; "you'll ruin your reputation."
"No one would know, there's no one here but us," she indicated the empty, dark streets around us, "and you wouldn't dare tell anyone about this, right?"
"Why not?" I prayed that my voice wasn't shaking as much as I thought it was.
"I'll have to carve the memory out of you then."
I shivered involuntarily; I had to get of there now. The only problem was, home was on the other side of her, and I'm not bolting into her when she's got a knife.
I looked around, trying to find some kind of plan that didn't involve violence of any kind. Pissed off as I was, I wasn't going to go to kill myself because I picked a chick fight with Tei Sukone over Len Kagamine.
Pushing that out of my head, I considered calling someone, like the police, but then remembered that I left my phone at home to charge. Darn it. The one day I don't have it is when I need it, go figure.
"Tei," I said in a calm voice, disregarding my thoughts, "I think we went a little too far, we should calm down."
"Oh," she laughed, "you're just saying that because you're scared of getting hurt, huh? If I was defenseless, you'd be sure to make sure I was crying, right?"
"No I wouldn't," I defended crossly, "now put away the thing before I start running and screaming for help."
"I'd like to see you try," she chuckled, "then again; I do like a moving target."
"Tei, I'm serious," my throat suddenly felt sticky and dry, "we're arguing over Len, you don't want to get in trouble because of that, do you?"
"If it's for Len, I would kill you five times over," she snarled, "no one, but me can get close to him; especially not someone as pathetic as you!"
"At least I can somewhat manage my temper," I muttered quietly. She heard this and gritted her teeth, her grip tightening on the handle. I paled. I need to learn to shut up.
"Don't talk to me about holding temper, Rin," Tei took a step forwards, making me retreat back. "Do you know how long I've waited for Len? Do you know how much anger I had to hold back when I saw him fall for you? You don't want to test me right now."
She continued to stalk forwards, a possessive look in her eye. When she was about a foot away from me, she stopped, looking at me with a burning emotion in her eyes. Panic shrieked at me like a banshee, and my heart rate quickened when I saw her grip change on the knife.
"Tei…" I said slowly, my nerves cracking.
"Let me say it again, you tell Len to get away from you and this never happened," she whispered quietly to me, and I considered just doing what she said. As long as it let me get away from her, it sounded great.
"Bite me."
And then I turned tail and fled.
My mother always said to never take the easy way out, always fight through the thorns to get what you want, but let's face it, no one lives long enough like that. Let's just hope Tei didn't take knife-throwing lessons.
Behind me, I can hear her giving chase, her shoes hitting the ground noisily as it landed on the pavement. You know, I was never strongly religious, but now I find myself praying to every God and Deity I can think of for my life as I dash across the empty street.
I obviously can't run straight home, I'd die either of exhaustion or Tei, whichever came first, and there weren't a lot of turns or corners that I could use to hide around. I was already wasting my energy-running like a drunk chicken in fact- and my stamina was never good in the first place. The only thing keeping me going was pure paranoia. Of course I didn't want to die, and obviously not by knife-wielding psychopath who I pissed off for falling in love with her crush.
The last though slowly melted into my mind and I scowled; a surge of energy coursing through me.
Darn it, Len. I hate you. This is all your fault.
"Got you."
I shrieked bloody murder as Tei clamped on my wrist, pushing me to the ground. She pinned me easily- curse my shortness- and pressed the knife on my skin. I shut up instantly.
"S-stop!" I stammered, "please, Tei, stop!"
"Stop now?" she asked mockingly, "but why? I haven't done anything yet."
I squeaked as she pressed the knife against my neck, the icily cold metal dug into my skin. I was paralyzed, unable to do anything at all besides whimper and try to press myself harder into the ground.
"Don't!" I whimpered as cold terror spreading through my chest.
"You had it coming," she grinned maniacally, "don't worry; I'll make sure it's quick."
"Wh-what if someone finds out you did it?" I reasoned desperately, "Len will never forgive-"
"He will understand!" she snarled, her face breaking as she continued leaning in. I dared not breathe, in fear that moving my throat would result in breaking my own skin. "When he finds out that it was only for his good."
I had a number of things to say, and if I weren't in such a bad position, I probably would've blurted every single one of them. Luckily, I managed to keep my thoughts to myself.
Tei looked utterly insane as she looked down at me. Strands of her silver-pink hair drifted in her face, her pupils dilated and a ghost of a smile on her lips. For a moment, it looked like she lost her mind.
"Boy-crazy."
That was not supposed to come out. I immediately cowered and looked away, inwardly screaming at myself. But rather than slitting my throat in a million places, she chuckled and eased a little.
"Not really," Tei said, "I'm just a little done with you."
"Then why don't you go talk it out with him," I swallowed, breathing easier. She sent a glare at me, pinning me again in a fluid motion. I groaned, flinching.
"Don't tell me you already forgot," she chuckled lowly, "he likes you, and I can't find the reason why. You've only been with him for a few months, I've known him for years, and he still prefers you. I can't just talk him out of it, but if you leave him, he'll change heart right?"
I hope not, it would kind of suck if he forgot about me that easily.
"This isn't exactly me walking out," I muttered.
"I gave you the option," she reminded, "and then you told me to bite you. To be honest, I'm thinking about holding you to that."
To my horror, a slow and sadistic smirk curled on her lips, as if she really was considering eating me.
"You wouldn't..."
"No, that's unsanitary," she grinned, "but you should still have a consequence, right?"
I stared at her right hand as it tilted up, the steel edge seeming to glow in her grasp. I couldn't believe it, I really couldn't, and I was feeling too numb to realize how much trouble I was in now. For once, I couldn't find it in me to say anything life-threatening, my stomach feeling oddly twisted. I watched as she steadied herself, angling at a dangerous slant. My breath hitched and I flinched, bracing myself for the very worst.
"What do you think you're doing?"
I opened my eyes sharply and looked upwards. I saw the hesitation in Tei's eyes and my instinct took over. Shoving her off, I scrambled clumsily to my feet. Gracelessly, I stumbled to the nearest light pole, clinging to the metal to keep standing. My legs were shaking violently and I was just about to fall, but I was having a lot more trouble breathing. I looked back dizzily, staring as a mysterious person reached lifted Tei, flinging the knife away in the process. She let out a sharp gasp of surprise, her head swinging around to face her assailant. I stared at the both of them from afar, still in minor shock.
"Well, what do we have here?" the intruder looked at her. The streetlight above us illuminating their faces dramatically. "Tei Sukone? Huh. Ironic that you just come back from playing as a psychotic man-killer for a movie and here you are, committing real murder. Takes a whole new meaning to 'becoming your character' doesn't it?"
"Let go of me!" Tei cried out. However, her captive didn't seem to have a problem holding her.
"Why? So you can go pick up that nasty weapon of yours and let you continue what you were about to do?" the mysterious lady snorted, "not a chance."
"You little-" Tei swore, "Let me go!"
"No."
"What- How can-!" she lets out a frustrated cry, "who are you!?"
"No one, really," came the casual answer. "But I am curious about that girl you're attacking."
"She's no one!" Tei snapped, glaring at me with hate-filled eyes. I ignored it; too busy trying to calm my nerves. I couldn't even stand up straight yet.
"Well, I hope she's not some random passer-by you just decided to attack," the woman peered at me, her eyes narrowing. "Come a little closer."
Hesitantly, I obeyed, waddling towards them with my unresponsive legs. I swallowed dryly, a cold chill spreading from my chest. Tei let out a furious cry, straining violently against her hold, her weight thrown forwards as she tried to release herself.
"Be quiet! You're lucky I haven't called the cops yet," snarled the lady. Keeping one hand on Tei, she looked me over carefully. I stared back at her, unsure of what to think. She was definitely older than the both of us, maybe the same as Miku, and very beautiful. Her hair was long and blonde, much brighter than mine, and her eyes were electric blue. She looked at me for a long time, seeming to ignore the fight Tei was trying to put up.
"What's your name?" she asked suspiciously, keeping me out of the range of Tei. I continued to gawk speechlessly at her, my mind slowly starting to work again. Something about her was eerily familiar, but on the other hand, she was still a completely random stranger.
"I-um-ah, Rin," I managed to spit out, trying to focus on my words. "My name is Rin."
"Rin?" she repeated, a fire dancing in her eyes, "Rin Shion?"
"Y-yes?" I grimaced at the glare Tei gave me, but stood still.
"What does Tei Sukone want to do with you?" the lady growled, shaking the said star a little roughly.
"None of your business!" Tei snapped angrily, still trying to fight her. I inwardly marveled at the woman's strength, I had felt how strong Tei was and if she could hold her off so easily, what kind of middle-weight champ was this lady?
"Oh yeah? Well then what if I make it my business and call the police right now? I'm sure the paparazzi would just love to hear you getting taken into custody for attempted murder." At this, Tei's scowl deepened but she stopped her movements. Even after all this, she was still scared of her reputation, isn't she? Talk about unstable.
"You wouldn't say anything," she threatened lowly, glaring at the woman with her crimson eyes.
"Why not?" the woman smirked, knowing full well she was at an unreachable advantage. "I'm doing the world a favor, getting rid of such a villain."
"I'm not some sort of monster!" Tei denied angrily, "I have a reason-"
"-and that is?"
"None of your business." Tei snarled angrily.
"Trust me, dear," the woman grew cold, "it becomes my business when you're running around trying to kill Mei's daughter."
I stared even harder at her, my eyes widening. Tei seemed to freeze for a second, bewilderment on her face. She twisted her neck back, giving the lady another look.
"What?" she exclaimed, "Mei? As in, Meiko? You knew her?"
"Shush, you," the woman responded angrily as she tightened her grip, making Tei snarl. I continued to stand, gawking. I gave her another look over. She was fierce-looking and tough, her eyes cold and determined. Her grip and stance was well-balanced, as if she fought often, and there were hard-looking muscles under her skin. Though, there was something on her shoulder that only barely stood out. I didn't see it before, since the golden streetlight had covered it, but now that I looked closely, I could just make out the familiar petals of a yellow rose.
"Oh," that explains why she was so familiar, "you… you were in Mom's… circle." Circle means group. Group means friends. And in this case, friends who were so close they branded each other's skin so that they would become some sort of soul sisters. Forever.
"Lily," she corrected.
"Your mother's ally! Did you call her!?" Tei's scarlet eyes burned into me and I looked at her back, unsure if I should cower or growl.
"No," the woman looked down at her disdainfully, "I just happened to be going to buy some milk."
"Just my luck," Tei scowled, "interrupted by a stranger who turns out to be your dead mom's friend." Lily's eyes flashed dangerously for a moment and she pulled Tei up sharply, her hand gripping the collar.
"Watch your mouth," Lily hissed, "I've still got half the mind to strangle you."
"I dare you," Tei laughed bitterly, "you've got quite the criminal record; I'd like to see murdering a well-loved actress go on there too."
"You know, that's not a bad idea, it's about time I do something exciting with my life," Lily smirked nastily as she readjusted her grip on Tei's collar. I jumped at this and felt a surge of panic
"Stop!" even though I knew- or hoped- that she wouldn't really strangle her. "I need to talk to her."
"Why? To scold me? No thanks," Tei looked down at me in disgust despite her situation.
"Look, I'm not stupid, nor do I have time to be dealing with court, so I won't say a word about this, alright?" I really didn't know what I was doing. But since I'm a coward, I'm talking to keep myself safe. Fortunately, Tei lost just a touch of her menacing look for a bit. "But on one condition."
"Rin, are you sure-"Lily looked at me with concern but I ignored her. Mother's friend or not, I can solve this-somewhat- on my own.
"Condition? So I'm at your mercy now?" Tei looked between me and Lily for a moment, "alright then, go on."
"You have to talk to Len," I gave her the strongest look I could muster, "about this."
"Now?" she smirked at me.
"Of course not," the thought of her going to my house at this hour was terrifying.
"So you think I'm just going to let you go back to Len?" her smirk melted into some kind of sneer, "that defeats the purpose of coming out here and threatening you, doesn't it?"
"Unless you're afraid of talking to him," I really hope I'm actually solving this and not provoking her. "Which would explain why you wanted me to tell him to get out."
"I welcome any chance to talk with him!" she smiled vilely, "but are you sure you want me too? Isn't there just the slightest possibility he might leave you?"
"So?" I narrowed my eyes. "Still a better way than having a knife thrown at me."
"Please, I didn't throw it," she smirked at me. "Well not yet anyway-"
"So you're not going to take my offer?" I ignored her.
"Well, doesn't look like I've got much of a choice, does it?" she indicated Lily and me, "but you have to not tell anyone about this, right?"
I let out a breath of relief, my body lost its tension.
"Fine, as long as you don't come at my door with a scythe later," I agreed. She laughed, not replying, and turned to look at her jailor.
"Alright, Miss Lily," Tei jeered, "let me go." Lily-who had been watching us with interest- hesitated for a while. After giving me a long look, she promptly dropped her, cautiously placing herself between Tei and me. However, once released, the actress only straightened herself, fixing her hair and jacket. "That could've gone a lot better!" She walked towards us and I thought she was going to lounge at me when she stopped and leaned down. Picking up her fallen weapon-I should've gotten it earlier- Tei sighed. I watched her warily as she carefully put it in her pocket and turned around, but not before giving me a good look. "Good night, Rin. It was nice talking with you."
Without looking at us again, she began walking away with the poise and haughtiness of a cat, as if nothing had happened at all. We waited until she was out of sight, and then I let out a huge breath of relief.
"Rin, was it the best idea to let her go?" Lily looked worried, but I shrugged weakly, shrinking away from her.
"I told you, I don't have time to deal with legal stuff," I grumbled, "besides, if the government found out I'm living without a legal guardian, I'm screwed."
"Well, you could always-"she stopped, looking thoughtful, "maybe- but…"she shook her head. "I don't know if I should call you smart or plain stupid."
"I'm sorry," I said awkwardly. She gave me another look, as if she wanted to ask me something, but then shook it off.
"Oh well, it's pretty late now," she turned around and looked at her wristwatch. I winced at the reminder.
"What time is it?"
"Eh… Ten o'clock?"
I groaned loudly, tomorrow morning didn't look so good for me.
"I have to get home now," I looked around me quickly, my mood lightening a little when I found my book bag not too far on the street. I picked it up, frowning at the mark on the back. Looking back up, I wondered which way home was. I wasn't really paying attention when I walked down here with Tei, darn it, but I guess I was somewhere out of town.
"You want me to drive you?" Lily looked at me with a trace of amusement. I blushed in embarrassment, realizing I probably looked a bit lost.
"No it's- Wait, you drove a car here?" I whirled around to face her. She nodded and held up her keys. "Why didn't we notice you?"
"That's what I'm wondering," she snorted, "my car came pretty close you guys, but you didn't do a thing until I actually got out and opened my mouth."
"How-"I tried to remember when Lily first came up, but all I remembered seeing was Tei's maniacal eyes glowing down on me. I shivered. "Oh… Well, I'm glad you came, you saved me, thanks."
"Anything for Mei's girl," Lily replied, my heart swelled at my mother's name.
"Oh… and it's nice to meet you, Lily," I bowed quickly.
"Heh, last time I saw you, you were still in your diapers and being completely spoiled by Kaito," Lily laughed.
"I don't really remember-"I stopped. "Wait… Spoiled…?"
"Huh?"
"Len!" I jumped up, suddenly remembering about the boy I left at home.
"Len? I heard about that earlier, when you and little Miss Popular were talking, and his name sounds very familiar…" she looked at me. I ignored her, too busy with my own troubles.
"He must be starving!" I realized, "he didn't eat lunch either, did he? Oh, he had better not be raiding my kitchen. I didn't get to stock up on food too…"
"So, you want a ride in my car after all?"
I gave Lily the most pleading look I could muster. She smiled kindly and nodded towards the old pickup truck behind us.
"Thank you, I'm in your debt!" I said as we climbed into the car. She laughed and started the engine.
"It's fine! It's fine!" she waved her hand as she pulled the seatbelt over her, "your house isn't actually so far from here, maybe ten miles, we'll be there in a bit."
"Thank you!" I repeated, "I need to get there as soon as possible otherwise my housemate will- wait a minute!"
Lily, who just started running the car, instantly froze up and gave me a panicked look.
"What?"
"This is all his fault!" I screeched, "that idiot is the reason why I'm so late! I'm going to give him my mind when we get back home!"
"So Len is-"Lily began to run the truck again, making the light poles and buildings zip pass us in a blur. She stopped talking, her eyebrows furrowed. "Huh… Len? Tei Sukone… Why does it feel like their names go together?" I opened my mouth to say something, but then thought against it. "Len… What did you say his last name was?"
"Well-"
"Kagamine!" she shouted and the truck jolted forwards. I yelped, clinging on my seatbelt. "That's who Len is! He's that rich Kagamine's son!"
"Kind of-"
"And he's staying at your house?" she looked at me with bright eyes before turning back to the road. "Son of a- no wonder Sukone was after you! You're living with her boyfriend."
"They aren't dating," I corrected bitterly.
"Oh that's right! That whole thing was a hoax, but it's still obvious that she likes him! Jeez, Rin, getting involved with these famous people, you need to hire a bodyguard!"
"I'm fine-"
"Fine? Tei Sukone was after you with a knife, and that wasn't some kitchen cutter either!" Lily grew worried, "maybe you should just tell him to leave, for your own good."
"No, that won't work," I murmured, leaning heavily in my seat. Up ahead, a few familiar looking streets began popping up.
"Why?"
"It… just won't," I fell silent and stared out of the window. Something just came to my mind.
If I go back and Len sees me, and I tell him what happened, how's he going to react? Of course if I go and punch him in the face- like he so deserves-then I wouldn't have to worry about him talking but… Being realistic, he'd probably get worried or do something stupid. Maybe I shouldn't tell him, just pretend it didn't happen, even though I really want to throw him off a cliff.
Okay, so I'm mad at him for the single fact that I like him. It's a perfectly liable reason! If I didn't, then I wouldn't caught in this mess, and who made me feel this way? Len, of course! Everything traces down to him.
For the rest of the car ride, I was busy doing little separate debates with myself. One, whether being angry with him for that reason is pathetic or not. And two, what I should say to him about tonight. For some reason, actually explaining this to him seemed impossible. I couldn't waltz up to him and tell him that his super popular and good-looking female friend put a sharp object to my throat while telling me to get out of his life. Yet, I can't really lie to him if I look as battered as I feel. I had asphalt marks on my shirt for crying out loud.
By the time we turned onto my street, I was chewing at my nails and looking at the bright lights on the dashboard. Lily had politely let me think by myself and focused on her road. I flicked my gaze outside, my stomach sinking heavily at dark night. Anxiety laughed in my mind and I inwardly started strangling it. I had too much to think about; there was school the next morning, there was Tei whose freakishly unstable face keeps popping up in my mind, there was Len who I wanted to strangle yet avoid at the same time and then there was Lily, here, who's probably thinking who-knows-what about me and my situation.
I need to sleep it all off, seriously.
"Here we are," Lily grunted as we pulled up on my driveway. I jolted and looked up, sighing when I saw the warm sight of home.
"Thanks for the ride," I told her as the truck stopped. I hesitated a little before asking, "would you like to come inside or…?"
"No, it's late enough, you need to sleep," she smiled, "just be more careful next time, alright?"
"Oh, yeah I will and um… thanks, again," I got off and looked back uncertainly, "and sorry for the trouble."
"No problem!" Lily shrugged, "remember, if you need me, just ask Miku, alright? She knows my number."
"Okay," this was getting awkward.
"Alright, is that it?" she looked me over, "I'm sorry about all the suddenness, by the way, I wish we got to talk more."
"Yeah… it's strange how tonight went," I agreed quickly, then with a loud-somewhat forced- laugh I waved with my hand. "Well, I better get inside, good night Lily."
"I-"she looked like she wanted to say some more but stopped and nodded, "yeah, good night, Rin."
With some sort of smile, I closed the truck door and stepped back. From inside, I saw her give me one final wave before backing out. I watched as she drove away, before turning around. I rejoiced inwardly, glad to back, and pulled out my house key. It's good to be home.
"Hello?" I walked inside carefully, surprised to find that the lights were all off. Len was probably sleeping, lucky me, so I better be quiet.
Holding my breath, I carefully peeled off my shoes and shut the door. Hopefully, I'd be able to make some sort of excuse for tomorrow and he wouldn't be too mad at me. Tiptoeing through the dark living room, I nearly fell onto my couch once and walked right into the tall lamp. Muttering to myself, I groped the air in front of me, flinching when my hand smacked loudly against the wall. Listening, I expected to hear Len coming down to curse at me, but instead found myself surrounded by silence. He must've been dead tired.
Having finally reached my room, I tossed my bag into the general direction of the corner and closed my door. I searched the walls for the switched and flipped on the lights.
Then, I screamed, because Len was sitting on my bed.
"Welcome back," he grunted moodily. I had to keep myself from getting a heart attack.
"Get out of my room!" I blurted, stepping back, "jeez, were you here the entire time?"
"You tell me to sleep at eight but don't come back until way after ten from your girlfriend get-together or whatever," he ignored me, looking uncharacteristically angry. "Hypocrite."
"I wasn't hanging out with Miki!" I defended, "it's not my fault I'm here so late!"
"Oh yeah? Then explain yourself," he didn't look like he was going to get up anytime soon. I gave him a look.
"Well, someone's looking unhappy," I noted. He scowled.
"You don't say."
"I'm sorry for coming back late," I apologized, then added, "really sorry. But there's school tomorrow, we have to get up early and-"
"I am not moving until I know what happened," he confirmed.
"Len!" I whined.
"What? I spend almost six hours in the house alone with no food, no idea what happened to you and then you come back in the middle of night trying to sneak in!" he gritted his teeth, "I kind of deserve a reason!"
"Len, I said I'm sorry," I folded my arms, "maybe I'll tell you tomorrow, but right now-"
"No, you're going to tell me now. We won't have time tomorrow, or you'll just find a way to avoid it," he mirrored my move. I felt my eye twitch.
"But-"
"I'm serious."
I grew a little annoyed. Who gave him the right to order me around? I stared into his icy gaze, not feeling in the least intimidated.
"Spoiled brat!"
"Common girl!"
"Why do you care so much?" I demanded, "I'm fine!"
"So why won't you tell me?" he shot back, "you're obviously not okay if you won't say what happened!"
"I'm saying not to worry-"
"How is that possible?" Len got up now, looking like he wanted to hit me. I remembered the crazy look Tei gave me and stepped back quickly. "Don't worry about you? Look at yourself! I'm not blind; you're covered with dirt!"
"It's okay-"
"I was scared when you didn't come back at eight, you know?" he pointed an accusing finger at me, "what was I supposed to do? I couldn't walk to that stupid café and you left your phone at home."
"Sorry-"
"I don't care if you were out with Redhead, but can you at least tell me where you were!?"
His words rang through the room, silence quickly followed to fill the gap. I stared at him, wondering what I should say to that, but couldn't find any words. Instead, I looked down at my feet. I wasn't sure if I should feel ashamed or angry.
"Wow," I muttered after a while, "it's been a long time since someone's scolded me." I figured Len would probably blow off on me again, but he just exhaled a long breath.
"I can't imagine it," he said bitterly, "but I'm older than you anyways, so I have the right to scream at you."
"That's not fair-"
"It's completely fair, given all the times you've smacked me for doing something wrong," he replied irritably. I turned to look at him apologetically.
"Sorry, Len, about coming home late-"
"Oh, I'm still mad about that," he cut me quickly, "but I'm not going to shout anymore. Especially since you don't take this as seriously. So I'm going to try to be quieter about it."
"Why are you taking this so seriously anyways?"
"Because I was worried-"
"Why? You know that I can take care of myself," I placed my hands on my hip. Len looked at me, taking in my messy appearance, obviously hesitating.
"Why can't I worry about you?" he replied weakly, "we're friends, after all, right?"
And then I got mad him all over again. He reminded me about why I was so late, why Tei wanted to rip me to shreds, and why I like him. I want to punch him. In the face.
"It's not like I was out partying without you," I shifted the subject, looking away from him. My face felt warm, and I really didn't need him to notice that. He snorted.
"Yeah I figured, I can't imagine you with a social life."
"Jerk."
"What? It's true. Besides, if it's a party, I would've certainly heard about it before you-"
I looked back at him, giving him a glare.
"Just get out," I snapped.
"Not until you tell me where you were, seriously," he walked up to me, leaning in. I scowled. "If it's not as bad as you say, then there's nothing you should be worried about."
"No, it's personal," I lied, "we girls have our own schedules."
"Rin."
"Yes?"
"Please? You're acting really weird and it's bothering me," he sighed and poked me purposely on the head, "Heck, your bow is nothing but a knot on your head right now and I know that you would never let it fall unless you were really out of it."
"Maybe I just wanted to try a new style."
"Rin."
"Okay, sorry, but it's really late now, can I please go to sleep first?" I swallowed at the deep look he was giving me.
"No."
"But it's really-"
"I know, you've been repeating yourself the entire time," he assured me, "still doesn't mean I'm letting you off. You're telling me what happened."
I fell silent, looking at the pattern on my blankets with sudden interest.
"And what if I don't?" I tried. He gave me a sly grin.
"I have my ways."
"Wha- No! Get your hands away!" I shrieked, "tickling me is not a dignified way to get me confess."
"It'll work, won't it?" he withdrew anyways.
"How about if I say… I can't tell you," I tried.
"Can't?" he echoed, "what, were you with Rei?"
"Rei?" I blinked, "no. Last I checked, he was flirting with Rui."
"Alright then, why can't you say anything?"
"It's just that… if I tell you, something bad will… happen?" I didn't like the way I made it sound, and apparently Len didn't either.
"Now you have to tell me," he leaned closer, much to my chagrin.
"No you don't-"
"Of course I do! It's always a man's job to protect the women!" he nodded firmly, "so why don't you-"
"Len, that was a very sexist comment and I really don't want to hear that coming from you, Mr. Scared of thunderstorms."
"Rin, I'm being serious!" he puffed up indignantly, "stop changing the subject!"
I pouted, seeing that I couldn't stall anymore, and stared crossly at him. Chewing on my lip, I thought about the deal I made with Tei and how willingly she accepted it. Did that mean I could tell him or was she going to hold that against me as well?
And then I realize how scared of her I am and suddenly I want to bash my head into the wall.
"You'll just get mad at me," I said out loud. Len raised one of his perfect-I bet he plucks them- eyebrows.
"Really?" he motioned me to go on.
"You won't believe me and then laugh at me, or kick me out of my own house," I nodded. He raised an eyebrow.
"Try me."
"I was with Tei," no going back now.
"Tei!?" he shouted, his high-pitched voice making me cringe.
"Yes, Tei," I grumbled, rubbing my ear.
"What happened?" Len looked me over and I gave him a look.
"Nothing much," I snorted, "just talked. A lot. And she wouldn't let me go till now so-"
"Are you sure?" his eyes suddenly grew very close to mine, and I took several steps back.
"Yes, I'm sure," it's not like she put a sharp metal object to my throat at all. "So there's your reason."
"That doesn't explain why you look so beat up… Unless…" he looked worriedly at me, "you guys were talking about me."
"You are so conceited!" I groaned, giving him a good shove. "Not everything has to be about you!"
"Was I right?"
"…" I mumbled something, "still doesn't give you the right to immediately assume it's about you." He, however, didn't look as smug as I thought he would. In fact, he looked worried.
"What did she do?" he asked.
"Nothing, we just talked," I repeated.
"Doesn't explain why you've got stains on your shirt," he pointed at the skid marks, "… and your arm." Alarmed, I looked at my elbows, grimacing at the scratch marks on them.
"I… fell," I said lamely, "there was this bump and I didn't see it so-"
"Rin, are you still lying?" he narrowed his eyes and I swallowed.
"Okay, so we had a skirmish," I sunk back a bit, "that's it."
"She hit you?"
"Honestly, she did more threatening than hitting me," I admitted, backing away again.
"What'd she say?"
"She was threatening to hit me."
"Because of me?" he pointed to himself. I felt like whipping another insult, but caught the serious look in his eye. So I let out a breath, crossing my arms.
"Something like that…"
Len stared at me, giving me another long look. He looked at the state I was in, stared at my fallen bow for a long time. I felt like jumping up and down for the sake of it, because the tension had grown thick suddenly, but couldn't find myself moving.
"Rin," he finally said, his voice thick. "I'm tired now."
"Well, I told you," I huffed, "it's late."
"I'm tired," he repeated, stepping closer.
"Then go to sleep," I willed myself not to move. He stopped right in front of me.
"Very tired."
Before I could snap at him to get his sorry butt to his room, he dropped his head onto my shoulder. I nearly fell at the sudden weight, grabbing his shoulders instinctively.
"Hey!" I protested, trying to get him up, "Len, I'm going to drop you."
"Okay," he muttered, not moving, "it's fine."
"You-"I shifted his head, pushing him to straighten his back, "up! Man, your head is heavy- Len! What do you think you're doing?"
"Apologizing?"
"You're not helping me!"
"I'm sorry," his hand brushed against mine, and I yelped. "Seems like it was my fault you came back so late today."
Ha. I told you I wasn't being crazy. He admits that he was the reason. So there.
"You bet it was," I snorted, but then took his feelings into account, "but it's fine. I forgive you."
"I know," Len sighed loudly.
"So, get off me."
"But I'm tired," he groaned and slacked even more. I grabbed his head, straining to keep it up.
"Jeez Len-" I puffed, "what did you eat, rocks?"
"Well, I was pretty hungry-"
"Funny," I leaned back towards the door, trying to drag him with me.
"Stop," he whined, "I'm comfortable"
"Well, I'm sorry," I snapped sarcastically, "but that happens to be my shoulder you're resting on, sir."
"So?" he let out a yawn, grabbing my hand in the process. I fought down any funny feelings that were beginning to grow.
"Um, Len-"
"Hey Rin," he cut me off suddenly, his grip tightening. I grunted in annoyance.
"Rude."
"Why do you like me?"
"What?" I looked at his head.
"Why do you like me?" he repeated, turning so that his right eye was looking up at me. This time, I couldn't stop the warm feeling and felt it over take my cheeks.
"Why do you want to know?" I looked away.
"Do I need a reason?"
"Yes," I agreed, "a very good and logical reason."
"Because-"he yawned again, then turned his face completely into my shoulder, "hm… Because I like you?"
I almost dropped him.
"That's not a reason," I grumbled quietly, my face burning even more.
"Well, it's my reason.
"You probably just want to hear yourself being praised," I huffed.
"Well, you don't really compliment me often-"
"-Narcissist-"
"-but I want to know."
"I have to answer?"
"Yes, or else I'm staying like this forever, and trust me, your shoulder is very comfortable."
"You're so bossy today."
"I got it from you."
I let out a series of frustrated noises, tapping my foot to vent all of my frustration. I looked at the clock, my heart sinking at the time. I wasn't going to get out of this one either. Darn it. I don't want to answer this. Especially to him. I'm going to die.
"I…." I swallowed hard, "don't know."
"That's not an answer," Len informed. I smacked his arm lightly with the hand he wasn't clutching.
"Maybe it was your…" I searched through some adjectives, "charisma. You're just so confident, you know? And you're not really that bad to be around-"
"-thanks-
"Shut up! I'll really drop you!" I threatened, my face feeling like it was going to just die, "you're… a lot more likeable than I thought at first, okay? I'm not sure why I like you, I just do."
"That's just like you."
"Shut up, Len! And get off my shoulder, I told you my reason!" I fumed. He let out a long sigh and finally stood up. Though, he still kept my hand.
"You're flustered," Len smirked, I took my hand from him immediately.
"Shut up!" I repeated, "you're so mean! Making me say something like that!"
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" he scoffed, "you just don't appreciate the fact that I'm holding you dear to my heart-"
"Go to sleep, Len. Just go to sleep," I held up a palm to have him stop, half hoping that I was hiding my face from view too.
"Alright, I'm going now!" he held up his hands apologetically. Turning around, he walked towards the door, opening it quietly. I turned to watch him with my arms crossed, my face still uncomfortably warm. Just as he disappeared around the corner, he suddenly came back inside, walking quickly. I snapped at him.
"What? Now you're scared of the dark too?"
"Actually, no, I forgot to do something," Len walked up to me again and leaned down. I was expecting him to fall on me again and got ready to smack him when he suddenly tilted my head up with his hands.
"What are you-"
He kissed my forehead sweetly, then looked at me in the eye.
"Make sure you fix your bow tomorrow, alright?" Len winked, "good night, Rin."
So I stood there, eyes wide and the sound of my own heartbeat ringing in my ears. I was almost sure that my face had peeled right off my head in search of water by then. Opening and closing my mouth like a fish, I stared as Len skipped off to his room, apparently a lot happier than earlier.
After finally getting my mind back, I shook my head and laughed quietly.
"Yeah, good night, Len."
End of Chapter 21. Finally. Done.
It was another bad ending, I'm sorry, but I didn't feel like leaving another cliffhanger. So there, Merry Friday to all of you. Oh there was a kiss in the end. Forehead kisses are cute, so how's that?
So anyways…anyone notice how this entire chapter was in Rin POV? I'm going to try writing entire chapters with only one point of view from now on, mainly so that it's easier to keep in character. So next chapter will be Len, then Rin, then Len and so on.
You guys are an endless stream of support! Seriously, it's like my review count exploded! In the first month, I had like fifty reviews! You guys are wonderful. I love you all. I know I repeat this, but I always have to thank you for everything you've done. I would've never made it this far if you guys hadn't kept encouraging me, thank you!
Mush Luvve
~asianchibi