Hey everyone! – Tori
OMG! An update? I'm sorry
Morning Basketball Practice Thursday (19th): Aroon (Thailand)
"Jones, get your head in the game!" We were having a scrimmage and he was not doing any good. Although he hadn't been any better in drills, something was up with the kid.
"Okay right coach." He said and backed off for a moment. He seemed to try and shake it off. I told the team to leave their issues in the locker room, they can pick them up after practice.
Not that I was practicing that myself today.
"Aroon! What are you doing?!" Coach was losing it; it seemed I wasn't doing any better than Jones.
Thankfully there was only so much that Coach could take; he called the game off and told everyone to run laps. Except me – I got yelled at. Oh the price you pay for being Captain. The season wasn't even starting any time soon, games started in winter – it was the middle of summer. Coach took the fun out of everything.
When he finished spitting on me he moved onto Jones. He was our star player and here on scholarship so coach was constantly on him anyway. Lucky Jones the bell for Homeroom rang so he escaped it mostly. Everyone filed into the locker room and started cleaning up for classes. At least that's what I hoped they were doing. Morning announcements were beginning to play on the TVs – which were in every classroom, the halls, you name it, except the dorm rooms. Something about liability and destruction of property.
"Jones man, trying to lose on purpose?" They laughed at the American, and of all the kids I've met at this school he was possibly the most American, all the others cited heritage saying they were mixed European. Some days I didn't think he was smart enough to think up something like that. For his part he laughed with them.
"Yeah, I got tired of winning, thought I'd let the other guys see what it feels like." Everyone got a good laugh as they moved about their business.
"Hey Captain," a freshman approached me.
"Yeah Martin?" I said around my locker.
"I was wonderin' if I could get ya to get me outta practice next week?" I looked over at the kid then went back to changing.
"It's summer, you won't get into trouble if you don't come. Technically we're doing intramurals, strength training."
"Yeah, b', the Coach doe'n't see it tha' way." I just sighed. I was not going to go to bat for this kid. His family was new money and he hadn't yet given me a reason to care about his well being. He wasn't even a good player.
"I can't stop you, but Kush is your problem." I turned away from him, the conversation over in my opinion.
"Nah if you back me." I couldn't believe that he had said the words so smoothly, and I was so not in the mood to deal with this.
I closed my locker and leaned in close. "Why should I?"
He backed up a bit, but to his credit didn't take off completely. "Well I know you like to keep up with the gossip."
He paused, "I'm waiting."
He gulped "W-well Eliza has a hit –"
"Old news, get lost." I stood back up. Most of the members were gathered in front of the TV for the final announcements.
"Wai', I've hear' somethin' else!" I raised my eyebrow at him. "'kay so there're these Mediteranian guys and they both 've an interest in the same Asian –"
"You're wasting my time Martin."
"No b' the kid already knows tha' they're playin' for 'im!"
"Not valuable."
"Please help me with Kush!" he clasped his hands in front of him and took a step closer to me.
The bell for first class rung, "Definitely not." I walked out of the locker room. The other players jostled down the hall, but they seemed to keep out of my way for the most part. Wise of them.
I walked into African Lit with the board covered in "STUDY DAY." And the passage that the paragraph had to be written on. It was supposed to be quiet study, and the teacher enforced it for the most part because she probably had one of her migraines. It wasn't that I didn't like reading, I found it rather enjoyable but this teacher dictated the meaning of the texts and then gave quizzes on them. Another teacher that took the fun out of everything.
I pulled out the textbook and opened to the page but just sort of stared at it. They were whispering behind me, the back of the class was like that. Usually I came out practice relaxed, something about it relieving stress I'm sure. But today I was on edge. I'm sure it had something to do with Mei. I didn't want it to have something to do with Mei, but I was pretty certain it was her. She had seemed so interested since the start of the semester but Monday she was off. Or preoccupied. Or something. I had planned to ask her out this Friday, but now I thought about giving it another week, maybe it was just her time of the month or something. (Author's Note: Most guys seem to assume that if a female is acting weird it is because of their period, while when guys act weird it's because they're having outside issues. God forbid girls are affected by outside issues, no women make their own issues, pssh.)
However the idea that I had spent all this time and energy on one girl and not even get a single date out of it was upsetting. I hated wasting my time.
Something poked me in the shoulder. "Kush wants to see you, get out of here." She went back to her desk.
More laps, perfect.
Seventh Period Thursday (19th) Earth Science: Herakles
"Karpusi" the substitute called. I raised my hand. He waited. "Karpusi!" He said louder. Like he couldn't be heard. I raised my hand a little higher.
"KARPUSI!"
"Oh for gott's sake, he's right here." Elizabeta grabbed my hand, and hoisted it into the air. I almost fell into the aisle between us.
"Karpusi get some backbone. Sira – Syra – Syria – Sya –"
"Shu-ri-ta, teacher" He continued through the list. I tugged on my arm, but she didn't let go.
"Not yet Cat Man. A little birdy told me that you're fighting the Turkish Wonder."
"I get Cat Man, and he's a wonder?" I ignored the statement.
"Would you like a different title?" She had my wrist in a vise like grip. Probably not the time to be discussing semantics. A camera went off somewhere. She looked around but didn't pin anyone. She dropped my arm though. Something was pestering the 'all powerful Lizzie.' "Spill Herakles or I'll spread your pictures across campus."
This was new. Lizzie never threatened me. Perhaps joked a little but this was one step too far. I thought we were friends, or allies. I guess I could have been wrong. "You won't. I hear… you're losing friends… left and right. Remember… I talk to… Feliks too." I turned to the board to drown her out.
"No wait Herakles, I didn't mean, I just, I just," she sighed heavily, but I didn't turn to her. In fact I was thinking about closing my eyes. Though sleeping never seemed to stop her from talking. "I just want to know what's going on. I kinda want to focus on something else you know?" She was looking at me. Out of the corner of my eye I looked back at her. Something other than confidence was on her face.
"I think… you have… plenty to… concentrate on." I closed my eyes and she made a disgruntled sound. "Besides… I sent you… that picture… didn't I?"
"Yeah but, you haven't done anything else? It's been a week and I know that you're a fast worker."
"Taking my time… with him." I yawned "Sometimes it's better… to go slow Lizzie."
She made another noise. Something cross between a groan and a snort. "You can bet the Turkish Wonder isn't taking it slow."
"I'm counting… on it." I smiled.
"Why wait anyway?" The teacher said something to Lizzie. I assumed she gave one of her silencing glares. He didn't interrupt us again.
"So victory… can be that… much sweeter."
She didn't laugh. I opened one eye and looked over at her. She had turned away from me. Head bowed. "You know Kiku is my friend right? Don't hurt him okay?"
I wasn't going to hurt him. I was saving him from that Ass. But I was genuinely interested in him now too. "Not going… to hurt him. Since when… have you… been concerned… with others… being hurt?"
"Always!" She said a little loudly.
I closed my eyes again. Then shifted into my seat to get more comfortable. "Then why… do you… threaten people?" She didn't answer. She was so quiet I opened my eyes again. She looked shocked, I'd even say dumbfounded if it wasn't so obvious. "Besides it's… all about… the hunt." Her face shifted back to neutral but she didn't say anything for the rest of the period.
I wonder if it was something I said?
After School Thursday (19): Natalya
"Bye Nat" Sophia turned right at the hall, I turned left. Music Theory was my favorite class. It was also the only class in my schedule that wasn't on Brat's. But I knew I wasn't exactly like him. I only took his classes to better understand him. I mean that Asian skank and him had met during class, maybe there was some insight to be gained by following the path he had taken. I like singing though, it has a relaxing quality that I can't explain. But since choir is after class I took the next best thing. And perhaps once Brat falls in love with me then I can sing to him and he will enjoy it.
I sigh as I approach my locker. I hadn't seen him for two weeks. At least not properly. He was avoiding me again. Kat was helping me with my apparent 'issues' concerning Ivan. They say that they're issues but I don't really believe them. I mean I love Ivan. I love him with all my heart. That's not an issue, love is just love.
I open my locker and my phone goes off. I dread looking at it anymore. I know what it's going to be. I don't want to see anymore. I open it anyway, I'm a sucker for pain. It's a picture of Brat and Yao. They're at the café on campus and that whore is laughing, and my Brat is smiling. Not his creepy regular smile that he shows everyone. Or the one that he has for when he's pissed. No it's a genuine, easy, happy smile. One that should be reserved for me and me alone!
I scream and slam something. All the students around me jump and suddenly clear out. Except for Lily, she just turns in my direction. Her face is all scrunched up with concern. I wish I knew who was sending me these stupid photographs. But more so at this point, I wish they would just stop. It started at the end of last semester, but it was increasing in frequency. Like the person was bored or didn't have anything better to do. Now I was getting one a day
When I found the person responsible – and I was going to – I was going to make their life a living hell. Until then they were just going to keep making MY life hell.
"Natalya would you like to eat dinner wid me? Vash has his military club thing all night tonight. Someding about preparing for an assignment." I just nodded at her and we started to walk down the hall. I didn't feel much like talking at the moment. "I don't mean to pry, but is someding bodering you?" She asked so calmly and shyly. What the hell was I doing befriending this kind of girl?
"No," I said quietly, it wasn't her fault I was pissed. Besides it was no one's business except Kat and Brat's if I was upset. He should be the one here asking, caring, wondering. Not this silly girl.
We walked in silence. I think she was hoping I would tell her anyway. Finally she just spoke up, "You've just been acting so strange for the last week. Please tell me if there's anyding I can help you wid ja? I'm a very good listener if noding else, okay?"
"Yeah, maybe I will. Just. Not right now okay Lily? I'm not ready yet." I told her too much but I think she genuinely wanted to help. Who was I to turn away an unabashed offer of assistance.
She just nodded and started to rabble on about random things. It was nice, she talked, I listened. What she was talking about had nothing to do with me; that was the best part. I didn't have to care but it was still something else to think about. "Poor Michelle is having such a problem. Oh but we're trying to keep it quiet! Something about scaring the prey, I tink Eliza said." She paused and waved at some friends who were keeping their distance.
"Lily how do you make it work with Vash?" I said before I could stop myself.
"Make what work wid Vash?" She seemed sincerely confused.
"You and Vash are together aren't you?"
She blushed so at least she knew what I meant now. "Li-like to-togeter, togeter?" I nodded. "Oh, nein… nein. We, we are jut, cl-close." We walked out of the building.
"Just close?" I didn't believe her.
"J-ja, our families are close. He is like mien bruder." We were already well on our way to the dorms by the time she got it out of her mouth. I guess it wasn't something that she had really considered.
I just shrugged, we were on the slight hill almost to the dorms now. "How can you tell the difference? Love is love right?"
She thought about it a moment. "Dere are lots of kinds of love dough. I love my vati and muti, but not like dat." She paused while I opened the door for her. "And Vash and I are jut close, we have been for years. I grew up wid him."
"It still doesn't mean that you can't love him. He isn't really your brother after all." We started climbing the stairs to our rooms. We weren't in the same hall, but were right around the corner from each other.
She hesitated, "Love is love, as you said, but you can love someone widout having to be ph-physical." Her face was so red I almost told her we didn't have to talk about this anymore. It was obviously making her uncomfortable. She couldn't even get her key steady enough to open the floor door. Every door had a lock or something on it. Something about the security of the students, though the floors weren't split in anyway, according to gender or otherwise. "And l-love changes. Perhaps, um, being ph-physical is not, not essential to love."
Was that how I loved Brat? Not like how Yao loved him, but how Kat did? I took out my card key again and opened the door. She thanked me but was very quiet as we continued on. "How can you tell the difference?" She seemed even more flustered by this. She seriously thought about it though before answering me. We were in the common area at the beginning of her hall. She motioned to sit on one of the couches so we did. No one else was here yet, they were all doing their clubs or something. I thought Lily had a club today too, but maybe I was wrong.
"It's not someding dat someone can explain," She started. "It's not cut un dry." She kept thinking and I gave her the time to come up with something. "You spend a lot o' time wid Katyusha, ja?" I nodded. "Do you love her?" I thought about it. Did I love her? I trusted her. I respected her. She was my sister, and she constantly tried to help me. I relied on her without thought. Was that love? "You don't have to tell me, jut tink about it." She smiled sweetly at me and stood up, "I'll see you in a while for dinner, ja?" She walked away, leaving me on the couch lost in thought.
Saturday (21) Library: Kiku
Generally Saturdays were spent studying with Vargas and Beilschmidt but today, and the foreseeable future, were bound to be drastically different. Liz' threat hung over Feli and mine's head so when we came to the library we had separated. I'm not even sure if it was entirely intentional. We met outside Feli's room – he is always the last to get up – but he had been surprisingly ready. We went to breakfast where for once Feli was not talking non-stop. The concern on Ludwig's face was evident, and he had even made an effort to keep the conversation going.
When we finally finished our meal – Feli's was barely touched, which Ludwig mentioned but Feli shrugged off – we left for the library. We had walked in silence and I realized how much I liked Feli rambling, and how much more I liked the silence. I basked in it actually, even though part of me felt bad for my friends, one who was so depressed he couldn't even make up mindless chatter that was second nature to him, and the other who was practically twitching by the time we arrived at the library from the quiet that Feli had been able to produce.
Feli mumbled something about an art project and walked away leaving Ludwig looking confused – because he was in art with the Italian, and I think that they had no such project. Ludwig took a step toward the art books, thought better of it and headed off to the newspapers and magazine section. I just sighed and found my way over to the medical and science books.
My biology courses were somewhat pre-med after all. So I walked up and down the rows scanning for titles that I hadn't read yet. That's when I came across Heracles.
"Hey," a smile tugged at one corner of his lips. It was actually a little unnerving the lengths that he and Sadiq had already taken in their little game. They were now a fixture at our table since the Gym incident, and both had been showing up in random places. They were strangely in tune with one another. "Looking for… something?" He leaned against the shelf. He looked very laid back and attractive. Half smile, lazy pose, yes very attractive.
"Not really Kar-Herakres-kun." I said and went back to looking at the titles on the shelf, for some reason I found that safer.
"Where are… Feli and… Ludwig?"
I refused to look back at him, I wanted to look at him too much. "They have their own projects to work on." He seemed to mull over the words.
"Is something… wrong with… you three?" I couldn't help but look up at this. He would eat sometimes, but generally he slept when everyone was together. How could he tell the difference between right and wrong with his eyes closed?
I went back to looking at the shelves. "It is nosing reari." It was starting to disturb me how much his presence was affecting me. I moved down the aisle to the next few feet of books. I knew about the game so I did not want to get too attached to either of them.
He came closer, "Are you… sure? I'm… a very… good listener." His voice was low – because we were in the library – and reminded me of a cat's purr – because there was a natural trill in his voice. I ignored the effect as best I could.
"Hai. It is a somewhat personal matter." My hand twitched running over the books that I was not even going to lie about registering anymore.
"I can… keep… a secret." He moved closer, but something about his words offended me.
"Karpuzi-san I appreciate your concern but it is reari unnecessary." I grabbed the book directly under my hand and walked over to the single person cubicles. Whether I had been too enthralled with him and his words had somehow jogged me free, or whether I had let myself be taken with him and relented on my emotions instead of holding to them as tight as normal. I could not say. Only that I had overreacted.
Private matters were private. I would have told him if that is what I had wanted to do. He should not have pestered me.
I opened the book only to realize I had already covered this one. I could not get up at the moment, so I just decided to reread it. It would be faster the second time through anyway.
Well into chapter one a shadow fell across the pages. "I did not mean… to upset you Kiku." He sat in the cubicle next to me.
"No I am sori for being so hasty to antagonize." He made some noise, and I looked up at him.
"It's no… problem Kiku." I noticed a book on ruins in his hands and we both went back to our reading. Silent, side by side, some part of me was thinking I could get used to this.
A/N: I was thinking of the English voice actor for Lichtenstein when I proofread her part and decided that that sounded closer. If it was totally off the mark let me know and I'll reset it.
Thanks for reading!
