"No…Mio…I-"
Ritsu's eyes fluttered open, her heart pounding against her chest.
Wow…What an awful dream…
…Terrible dream, I give it a one out of ten…she added after taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. She realized that she had sat up in her bed and noticed moonlight glistening off her pale skin through the window blinds. She brushed away a lock of hair that had fallen over her eyes and held her head, groaning slightly. "Mio…"
She glanced around the dimly lit room, trying to recall more details other than the horrible sight of her best friend's broken expression, . She sighed as she fell back against the pillows. Yeah…big fluffy, just the way I like them. Ritsu thought as she flipped the pillow around to the cold side. She took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling, still feeling a little groggy. She spent a couple minutes staring blankly at the ceiling, trying to clear her head.
Okay, so lets think…
Ritsu blushed a little bit as she recalled…Mio's pale skin…her soft lips, her warm body…It was good until the end. I want a refund, groaned the young drummer as she covered her face with her hands, remembering the nightmarish details towards the end. For some reason she felt like she was suffocating. "Wow this has got to stop." Ritsu complained loudly, cutting off her own thoughts. She quickly covered her mouth, realizing if she was too loud her younger brother would hear through the wall. Why in the world, out of all the places to put rooms in this house, do our rooms have to be right next to each other?…Jeez…
Ritsu glanced at the clock. There was still a couple hours until she had to get up for school but the dream had gotten her heart racing. Maybe I"ll sneak out for a smoke? she thought to herself. Ritsu rolled off the bed and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her disheveled hair and thin body made her look like a rock star. Oh yeah, you are so sexy…thought Ritsu, striking a pose.
She walked towards the closet and reached into the pocket of an old ugly jacket she never wore for her cigarettes. It was a pretty good place to hide things since she did her own laundry.
Mio pouted. "Ritsu! I thought I told you to stop smoking those things!" Ritsu rubbed the back of her head ashamed. "Its just that you know…when I get stressed out, I want one. And besides, don't you think they make you look cool? "They don't make you look cool at all!"
Ritsu sighed and slowly started to sneak out of her room.
Think light weight thoughts…light thoughts….clouds….low fat yogurt…marshmellows… A loud creaking noise suddenly reverberated throughout the house. Shit. These fucking stairs… Ritsu cursed in her head as she quietly made the rest of the trip down to her front door.
She let out a deep breath and then glanced up. The drummer stared quietly at one of her most hated mortal enemies, and glared ominously. If you make a single sound, I am going to make you pay, you stupid door. I'm a human being and you're just a stupid door. So cooperate with me okay? she warned in her head as she gently turned the knob and pulled it open.
A loud groan of protest immediately came from the door and Ritsu gritted her teeth. Her mom was a light sleeper and it had been extremely hard to throw her off the trail when she claimed she had smelled cigarette smoke off of Ritsu's clothes that one time. She felt a light, encouraging breeze from outside so she bravely yanked the door open just enough for her to squeeze through and closed it quietly behind her. "Whew, now that that's out of the way…" Ritsu sat down on the stairs, glancing out at the dim early morning sky.
She pulled a cigarette out of her pack and stared at it silently. It had been a long time since a sempai she looked up to asked if she wanted to share one with her. But ever since Mio had found out she had quit immediately…because I wanted her to like me…thought Ritsu, grinning whimsically.
Recently she had been sneaking out at night to smoke by herself. It was self destructive tendency but it somehow helped her cope with recent changes to her life. Ever since Mio started dating Yui, she had been feeling lonely. It almost felt like her best friend had been stolen away…although it was Yui who took her. It was strange, Ritsu had always felt like a kindred spirit to Yui. Yui was the only one who always laughed at Ritsu's antics, played along with her and had been a wonderful friend over the past few years. She smiled, thinking back to the first couple days when they had first met the ditzy air headed girl. Yui, you are one of a kind… Ritsu thought, flipping the zippo open.
The flame shone out in the darkness and Ritsu took a drag, lighting the cigarette.
Mio…Ritsu thought of her best friend again. It was strange, they had always been best friends. They had always talked about everything together. So why didn't I see this coming at all? Hah, probably because she didn't either…
At least she seems happy now…
Ritsu brought her knees together as a chilly wind blew by and shuddered slightly. She almost wished Mio would randomly show up to chastise her about smoking. Look Mio, I'm being a bad girl. Come and stop me. thought Ritsu sadly as she took another drag.
Moh, we're still friends right? Why am I being this way? She had to admit she was jealous. It was strange, the little things about having Mio around all the time that she missed. The comfortable silences, the arguments, and the one thing that had become the most precious to Ritsu over the years. Making Mio laugh.
Ritsu couldn't help but smile herself, remembering Mio's laughter as she executed a particularly clever joke. Those were the best times huh? When it was just us two…
Still, she couldn't regret meeting the members of the light music club. They were all precious to her now. They shared a dream, they stood by her through good times and bad…Mugi's caring warmth, Azusa's fierce focus, Yui's light hearted antics and Sawako sensei's guidance.
That and the many classmates and fans that had begun to show their support. Budokan! We're coming! thought Ritsu encouragingly to herself.
She took another drag and let out a deep sigh, watching the smoke dissipate into the dark sky. She found some solace in the quiet emptiness of the early morning. It wasn't the same picture she had always imagined. She had always thought that they would go on forever the way they had, the best of friends. Now that Mio and Yui were together, it made her feel like there was a rift between them at times. She could tell at practices too, how unintentionally Mio and Yui would share looks with each other and have conversations that distanced the other members.
Azusa too had a sad look on her these days. Still, their chemistry was as good as ever when they played. Ritsu, you're good at keeping our rhythm together! Mio had said. Yeah, you're like our band's heartbeat Ritsu! chimed Yui right after, giving that big happy grin she always wore when she was happy. Moh, okay already I'm happy for you two. Jeez… thought Ritsu in response to her own memories, ashing over the railing onto the grass.
Despite that things were different, when they played together it wasn't so bad. They were still the same people she had grown to love over the years…it was like the combined music of their band healed all of Ritsu's anxiety and loneliness, but when they stopped, the pain in her heart would return. She would feel lonely again, watching Yui and Mio walk out of practice together, leaving her behind with the others. It made her want to practice more than ever…to forget the pain. Ah, its like these cigarettes. I just need a fix of music sometimes…thought Ritsu, thinking herself clever for making the connection. A Music high….
It was true that it felt good. She blinked a couple times, realizing something. The school concert is tomorrow!! She jumped up. We should have a sleepover practice tonight!
Ritsu took another drag and started walking out to the street to flick her cigarette into a nearby gutter. Still, whenever I feel this way Mio would always be there to comfort me but…will she answer me even now? She smiled thinking about all the times that Mio had called her at random hours, waking her and talking animatedly about something or the other. There were so many times when they had both snuck out to hang out past bedtime. Ritsu patted her sides, checking for her cell phone. Hah! I left it in here before going to sleep and just fell asleep…It was rare, but sometimes it paid to be lazy. She sighed, wondering if Mio would still answer and sneak out with her even now.
She was kind of scared to find out.
"Maybe I'll go by myself this time?" said Ritsu out loud, thinking about their secret meeting place. It'll just make you sad Ritsu, don't go…she thought, hesitating.
She paused for a split second, before setting off in a light jog down the street.
When they were younger Mio had printed out a map and they had figured out a place that lay right in the middle of their two homes. It was kind of a long walk but they had always met there in the past, back when they were younger. Familiar scenery started to fly past Ritsu as she increased her pace, along with memories.
The time that Mio was stressed out by her parents…The time that she needed a break from studying…or when she couldn't sleep because she heard a scary story…the time when Ritsu had gotten teased by some kids at school and was feeling down…the time Mio got upset because she thought I found a boyfriend…the time we wanted to share our first kiss when we were little kids…
Ritsu stood panting, taking in deep breaths of fresh morning air and holding her hands behind her head, the way she had been taught to breath after running from gym class. Of course she's not here stupid she thought to herself a little sadly as she glanced around the small playground. It was located in the middle of a neighborhood that lay in between theirs.
Ritsu sighed, starting to catch her breath and sat down on a swing. "Mio…I miss you." she said out loud, still a little winded from the run. "But we'll always be friends you know? I'm the same old Ritsu." She paused, feeling a little crazy but it felt good for some reason. "I wish you were here right now to play with me…You could even tell me about how fun it is to have someone to love."
She paused again, feeling sweat trickle down her neck. I probably look like a crazy person, sitting at a playground in the early morning with messed up hair and still wearing pajamas…Still look pretty sexy I bet though.
Ritsu smiled, her natural optimistic mood shining through again. "Mio, I'm going to call you. Please don't turn me down!" Her heart raced as she hit the 5 key on her cell phone. She had picked it because it was the key in the center of the cell phone number pad and it had seemed like the most important one.
She held her breath as the phone started ringing. To her amazement, Mio picked up almost immediately.
"Ritsu? What are you doing calling me this early?"
"Ah, Mio. Ano, uh…I wasn't sure you were gonna pick up so…"
"Jeez, Ritsu. Don't just call randomly if you have nothing to talk about." came Mio's voice, slightly irritated.
But I do…Mio…thought Ritsu a little sadly. She suddenly realized that she had paused for too long.
"Uh, Mio. Wait ahah…"
Wait, why am I panicking now?
"Hmm?" Mio's voice was kind, and it uplifted Ritsu's spirits.
"You know, I couldn't sleep well, I thought talking with you might cheer me up." said Ritsu lamely, laughing and rubbing the back of her head even though no one was there.
"Hehe, of course no problem." Mio's voice was surprisingly gentle.
"Have you been awake too?" Ritsu asked, swinging her legs slightly. The slowly started to rock back and forth on the swing set.
"Yea, I was studying for a while and fell asleep…then I woke up and was writing in my lyrics book."
"Oh a cool new song?" asked Ritsu cheerfully.
"Yeah…I should call it Don't be Lazy, jeez. Me and Azusa gave Yui lots of homework but I bet she's not going to do any of it, like usual."
"Hahah, what's that?"
"Oh, just like technical music terminology and the proper names of instrument parts and things like that. She's so clueless still…"
"Ah, I see." Ritsu responded, slowing down slightly. Her feet hit the ground and the swing stopped swinging. The chains of the swing felt chilly all of a sudden.
"Ritsu, you're lonely huh? I'm sorry I haven't been over as much…" came Mio's voice through the phone.
So you can see right through me, huh?
"Looks like you still know me the best, huh Mio chan?"
"Of course I do…would you feel better if I didn't talk about me and Yui?" the bassist asked.
"No no, I want all the juicy details. There might be a market for it one day you know!"
"Hey you!!" came Mio's voice, followed by laughter. Ritsu smiled herself, it made her happy hearing her best friend laugh.
"But some things never change huh?" Mio said quietly.
"Yeah…and they won't, I think. Are you happy these days?"
"Mmm…yeah. I am Ritsu."
"So what's Yui like in bed?"
"Ritsu! You're so perverted! Why would you ask me something like that!" came Mio's panicked reply.
"Hahah, no I just wanted to hear how you would respond." said Ritsu jokingly. "You know, talking to you like this…I'm glad we can still do this."
"Why couldn't we? We're still best friends aren't we?"
"Nope. Yui's going to be your new best friend very soon I bet."
"Ritsu, don't be silly. You'll always be my best friend." Mio's voice sounded kind of hurt and Ritsu kind of regretted her last few words.
"Well, You know what I mean…ne, Mio chan…you think we're going to make it as a band?"
"Why wouldn't we?"
"Its just, you know. If you go to college…and maybe me and Yui won't get in…"
"That's why I'm always telling you two to study! If we don't go to the same university I'm going to cry…"
"I won't make you cry Mio! I'll try really hard…but wouldn't it be nice if we could just go on playing like this? I'm kind of scared of what's going to happen after high school…"
What if I lose you twice?
"That reminds me, I need to get on Yui's case more too about studying…sigh you two are always so hopeless…"
Eh, she had kind of a point there…
Ritsu leaned back in the swing seat and sighed, content. It was fun talking to Mio, it felt like it had been ages since they had even talked on the phone like this. She started to rock back and forth on the swings, watching the ground pass underneath her feet as she chatted animately with Mio.
"Hahah, you would joke about something like that!" laughed Mio. Ritsu found herself smiling too.
"Hey, our concert's tomorrow. We should practice a lot tonight!" said Ritsu animatedly.
"I know. Me and Azusa chan were talking about that earlier too."
"It's our last one at school. We should make it a blast!"
"We will. Definitely…"
"Ne, are you at home right now?" asked Ritsu.
"Where else would I be? Its like 4 in the freaking morning. Kami sama help me fix my sleep schedule. I'll do anything. Anything."
"I don't know, I was thinking to myself and I came to…"
Ritsu looked up in surprise as she heard distant footsteps. Mio sighed and put her hands on her waist. "I knew you would be here."
Ritsu slowly lowered the phone and stared dumbly at her best friend. She was wearing a cute pink hoody and blue and white pajama pants, a slightly sad expression on her face.
"Ritsu, why would you do this? It made me so sad thinking about you sitting alone in this place."
Ritsu stood up and before she knew it, Mio had run up to her and embraced her tightly in a warm hug. "I'm not going anywhere Ritsu, I promise. So be cheerful and be your normal self okay?"
Ritsu felt tears start to well up but she fought them back, smiling bravely. "Yeah, you caught me. Okay."
Mio's gentle hands wiped away the small tears that had formed at the corner of her eyes as she peered intently at Ritsu's face, concern lining her brow. It meant the world to Ritsu that Mio still cared, and had even ventured out here without telling her just to check if she was there. She felt happiness welling up from inside her. Mio smiled as she ruffled Ritsu's hair a little bit. "You know, you look kind of cool with your hair down."
"No way, I look weird!" complained Ritsu, suddenly becoming self conscious. She patted her own hair and glanced down at the ground.
"Just like a boy." teased Mio, nudging Ritsu gently with her elbow.
"Ah, Don't say that! I'm sexy you know."
"Pfft." Mio glanced at Ritsu mischievously and then broke out into a giggle. "You know, I always thought it was kind of scary outside when it's dark. I don't know how you can be so brave all the time."
"Well, I had to be brave for a certain scaredy cat I know." joked Ritsu, smiling at Mio.
Mio smiled back. "Oh, about that concert, lets make it a blast!"
Ritsu leaned forward to embrace Mio again, leaning her head against the taller girls shoulder. "Thanks for coming Mio…and you know it! We will for sure, and after that its Budokan!"
A/N: The pace is slow but I'm really enjoying writing this story again. Sorry for the slow updates and thanks to everyone who's still reading!
I was debating whether or not to include any lemon in this story... I feel like it cheapens stories sometimes but, I kind of wanted this to be a realistic-ish story about how a relationship would naturally progress so I'm learning towards writing it out. D:
gasp...
:D
The story will continue, Please be patient :P
Until next update~lolsama