Chapter: 29
Helloooo alll~~~. So sorry it took me long to post. All I can say is life threw a lot of crap at me and college is still a thing. Other than that I was able to finish up this chapter and proof read it (and yes my proof reading is still crap). But yeah I'm fairly pleased with the chapter, hope to post the next soon (but can't say for sure). Again just want to say I'm SO SORRY for being gone for so long! I've very much alive! And as always reviewing and favoriting is appreciated ^-^.
"Why isn't anyone coming?" Haru mumbled, clutching the fence.
"Weeellll…probably because the whole show was about muscles," I drawled, lounging in a pool chair.
"Don't pretend you didn't enjoy it!" Gou pouted.
"Well I did enjoy lil' embarrassed Makoto. That made my day."
"Wha—?" Makoto squeaked.
"Oh come on your ears were burning red," I giggled. "Didn't know you were that embarrassed to show some skin, since you're like that all the time."
"W-well it was different! The whole school was watching!"
"I'm just teasing~."
As I continued to flip through the latest Attack on Titan manga, I couldn't help but feel this pit in the bottom of my stomach. Despite their performance being a total bust (and the pure fact that I told them we should have changed it), I still felt bad that not a single person decided to show up. I at least expected one or two girls to come along and beg to join, hence the pretty boys that were just displayed onstage. Alas, it appeared it was just going to be us this year.
"Does anyone have any other ideas for recruiting members?" Nagisa asked.
Quickly snapping my book shut, I put a hand to my chin.
"Weeelllll….we can always go with my plan B~."
"No!" Gou exclaimed jutting a finger in my direction.
"Oh—c'mon—why not?" I exacerbated.
"Because as I said people THINK WE'RE MOOCHING OFF OF YOUR CLUB," she whined, throwing her hands in the air.
Pursing my lips I shifted my book off of my lap.
"So what if you are?" I said shrugging my shoulders.
"W-what?"
"Yeah I mean, I'm a part of this team, so why not milk me for all I'm worth. That's the main reason I joined anywho~, to help you guys."
"Well I—just…what do you guys think of this?" Gou asked, looking at the boys.
"Huh? You want our opinion?" Makoto piped, unsure to speak or not.
I guess I never realized how much we actually decide for them. Dear Lord, we really are managers…
"Well I don't mind milking Cati-chan for all she's worth," Nagisa chimed in.
"Ok now that just sounds wrong," I said, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"I see both sides of the argument, however, since it is true that Catori-senpai is one of our members, we should use any and all resources available," Rei added in.
Shifting in his spot, Makoto shrugged his shoulders, "I know how proud Gou is to let this club stand on its own, but I don't think it would be bad to get help from Catori either."
Haru hadn't said anything at this point and continued to gaze at the pool's water.
Figures.
"What about you Haru?" I asked.
Turning his gaze over to me, he still remained silent.
"What do you think about me helping you guys promote your club—"
"He already said yes," Makoto quickly commented, patting my shoulder.
"Wh—what?" I said, quirking an eyebrow.
He nodded his head.
"But he didn't even say anything—"
Stopping mid-sentence, I stared at Makoto's face.
How is this guy able to translate monotone silence?
"You're freaky, man…"
"I'm what?" he said, voice laced with worry.
"How do you do that?" I questioned, ignoring his comment.
"Do what?"
"Translate that?" I said, pointing a Haru.
"I don't know…I can just tell," he innocently replied with a smile.
Figuring that was the best answer I was ever going to get, I straightened up and prepared to divulge my plan.
"Well I've decided to change plan B."
"Why?" Gou asked.
"Because, you're right Gou—Kou, I shouldn't just want to promote you guys through the drama club, I want to showcase you're guys' talents. Sooo you're all going to star in our play."
"Play?" Nagisa gasped.
"Y-you want us to star in your play?" Makoto spluttered, "I could barely go on stage before! I-I don't think—"
"I'd love to Catori Senpai. I've been waiting for an occasion to show off my beautiful acting skills," Rei said, smugly adjusting his glasses.
Again, Haru was the last to answer or more like not answer at all.
"What's the verdict Makoto?"
"He hasn't decided yet."
"How do you…never mind—"
Deciding to speeds things up a bit, I pulled out the play's latest flyer from my bag, "You'll be mermaids—"
"Yes."
***************line break***************
On our way to witness the abduction of the little flip, we continued to talk about how the boys are going to participate in a theatrical work.
"How did you get our measurements again?" Rei asked, referring to the already pre-maid mermaid tails.
"Yeah Cati-chan I mean, you didn't "assault measure" us like you did Haru, did you?" Nagisa commented.
"It wasn't assault. It was just….spontaneous."
"Wouldn't it be hard to make them without measurements? Didn't you say latex tales have to fit like glove?" Rei questioned.
"Well yes—"
"Did you measure us in our sleep?" Nagisa exclaimed, grabbing my shoulders.
Completely losing all emotion in my face, I raised an eyebrow at Nagisa.
"Really though, how did you do it?" Rei continued.
"You'd be surprised what I figure out in the showers."
"You looked at us naked?" Nagisa gasped.
"You wear swimsuits when you shower," I deadpanned.
"Oh right…"
"And you've called me in their on multiple occasions to get soap out of your eyes."
"Heh…right."
Stopping in my tracks we had made it to the pool. Now we just had to wait for Haru, Makoto, and Gou to transport shark week.
"They should be here soon, unless Rin puts up a fight."
"Do you think he will?" Rei questioned, becoming concerned.
"Well wouldn't you if you were randomly grabbed and dragged away while a paper mache head was thrown over your head?"
"Yes I suppose we should have considered the repercussions."
"Ehhhhh it'll be fine…I hope."
Sitting down by the pools water, I zipped up my jacket. Despite being spring time, it was a little more chilly than usual.
"Cati-chan, they're coming!" Nagisa excitedly whispered shaking my shoulder.
Quickly standing up, I whipped out my camera from my bag and pressed the record button. I was not about to miss what was going to unfold. As I expected, a struggling Rin was being dragged along by Makoto and Haru. Before they reached metal gate I motioned Nagisa and Rei to open it. I had to hold back my giggles Rin spluttered gibberish and broken English. Finally positioning him in front of the pool, they removed the paper-mache head.
Squinting at the light, Rin blinked few times, holding a hand up to his face. Frantically looking around, he finally spotted us standing to the side.
"When we were in grade school, you one said you wanted to swim in a pool of cherry blossoms," Haru spoke up, still holding the Iwatobi bird head.
"So we thought we'd open the pool early," Makoto continued.
"Thanks to Ama-chan's hard work!" Nagisa exclaimed raising a hand.
Taking a step forward Rei adjusted his glasses, "And we'd thought we'd show it to you."
Quietly squatting to the side, I waved my hand, "Don't mind me I'm just recording for posterity."
Rin's eyes quickly welled with tears and his lip started to quiver. Turning from our gaze he tried to hide is crying form.
"Oh, Rin," I sighed, handing the camera over to Nagisa.
Skipping up to him, I placed on a hand on his shoulder. Despite his rough exterior, he really was a softy.
"Well go on," I urged him.
Tilting his head, he uncovered his face.
"Go for it," the rest of the boys chimed.
"I guess I'll let you swim in it, just this once," Haru mumbled.
"Well I do want to swim in it, but it's still kind of cold," Rin mumbled, back to his usual expression.
Rolling my eyes I quickly snatched back my camera.
"I didn't tell my sister I was going to get glamor shots for nothing. Catori doesn't lie. Now go."
Almost immediately the boys started to push Rin into the pool.
"Don't worry Rin I only promise to get your good side," I said, adjusting the focus.
"Catori!" Rin shouted.
"Don't be bashful," Nagisa giggled.
"I'm not being bashful! Seriously stop—"Rin insisted as both him and the boys came to a sudden halt.
Curious as to why they had stopped, I began to feel few raindrops on my skin. It didn't even allow us to register what has happening before it turned into a full downpour.
"MY CAMERA!" I screamed, shoving it under my shirt and scrambling under the nearest umbrella.
Once under cover, I pulled it from my shirt and started to inspect it. There was no way in God's green earth that I'm letting this 600 dollar camera die. I frantically began to dry it from any water.
"You're safe now little one. Don't worry the rain can't hurt you. OH MY GOSH THERE'S SOME WATER SEEPING INTO THE LENSE—oh wait never-mind."
Looking up, I saw Rin, Makoto, and Haru had decided to join me. Nagisa, Rei, and Gou took shelter by the changing rooms.
"Soooo…yeah….this sucks," I commented jerking my head at the pool. "I even thought about swimming in it."
"Yeah, well, it was too cold anyways," Makoto said, trying to lighten the mood.
"I guess…" I sighed, standing up from the cold pavement. "Still sucks though."
As I continued to double check that my camera wasn't damaged, the boys remained silent.
"That reminds me…have you guys thought about what you're going to do after graduation?" Rin brought up out of nowhere.
My stomach dropped. My chest felt tight. Looking out to the rippling cherry blossoms I tried to not dwell on the question. It's not like I haven't thought about it though. I know what I'm going to do. It's been straight forward since I was a child: go to college, get good grades, hopefully be a graphic novelist. But…the thought of graduating, never set well with me. Everything's went too fast. I still feel like a freshman. This school is all I have known. I've been here since the elementary school. To leave would be…to leave them…leaving me.
"Just go to college ya know," I simply replied, not wanting to stay too long on the subject.
"Not really," Haru spoke up as well.
"You can't not think about it," Rin replied.
Laughing Makoto shook his head, "You're aiming to swim at the world level. Right Rin?"
"Yeah. Since I wasted so much time getting here, nationals this summer is my last chance. If I make it to nationals I could get scouted."
Scouted.
"I'll set new records and grab hold of my dream!" Rin exclaimed with pride.
My dream is just to be here. To stay like this.
Hoping the subject would be dropped I continued to fiddle with my camera. I knew I was becoming anxious. I tried not to clench my jaw from my nerves.
"Catori, Haru, Makoto…What do you guys plan to do?" Rin asked, turning to face us.
"I…haven't really decided yet," Makoto said with a smile.
Haru didn't answer.
"What about you?" Rin said nudging my shoulder
Biting my lip, I breathed out through my nose.
"I already told you. Go to college."
"Which college? What are you aiming for?"
"Ya know the arts college that is only 20 minutes away. I'm hoping to be a graphic novelist," I mumbled not meeting his gaze.
"At least I know someone has thought about it," Rin laughed turning to face the pool.
Yeah…thought about it…thought about it too much.
**************line break***************
After seeing that the rain wasn't going to die down anytime soon, I opted for calling Chang for a ride.
Guess that's another thing that they use me for: transportation.
Sitting on the bench I continued to watch the rain fall. The pitter patter of the droplets on the pavement were unable to soothe my chilling nerves. I still couldn't quite shake this distraught feeling in the depths of my chest. No matter how hard I tried to forget the inevitable end that has yet to come, it plagued my mind. Graduation. I always hated thinking about it. About leaving. People leaving me. I didn't want to deal with it and I didn't know how to. So many of my peers and drama club members were so excited about graduation, and yet here I was dreading it. I didn't want to go to college. I didn't want things to change. I'm terrified.
"Catori?"
"Hmm?" I chirped, my head springing up.
"Chang's here," Makoto said, pointing at the honking van.
"Oh, right. Sorry."
Standing from my spot I began to lead the way to the vehicle. Briskly walking in the rain, I knew I was screwed. He saw. He saw my face. Nothing can get past Mama Makoto. I knew he knew something was wrong. And if I know my baby as well as I think I do, he's going to ask about it. Swinging open the door of the van, I quickly slipped in. Scooching over so the rest of the group could enter, I flashed Chang a smile.
"Thanks again for picking us up. Guess we forgot to check the weather."
"It's ok Miss Cati-Cati. No problem at all," he replied, with a nod of his head.
Of course Makoto had made the effort to sit directly next to me. He tried to make it look like it was just a coincidence, but it was quite obvious he had to squeeze past Nagisa to get to me. As the van door shut I took in a deep breathe.
Here we go.
Driving down the road, I tried to make it appear I was completely transfixed on what was out the window. In reality, I was watching Makoto's every move in my peripheral vision. He played with his thumbs for some time, probably trying to figure out how to initiate the conversation.
"Hey Catori?"
Looks like he's going straight for it.
"Hmm?"
"Are you…ok?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
To be honest I was surprised at how composed my voice was. It completely lacked the turmoil I felt inside. Aside from the pride I felt from my great acting skills, I did feel guilty for lying.
"Well, you just seemed out of it. Ever since Rin brought up graduation, you looked troubled."
"No, I'm just a bit tired. I probably shouldn't be staying up so late," I laughed, dismissing his question.
Technically that wasn't a lie.
He didn't seem too convinced, but nevertheless he didn't push the matter.
"Ok, if you say so. But if you need anything, I'm always here," he smiled, patting my head.
"Duly noted," I chimed.
Despite, not unveiling my internal conflicts, I did feel better to know he was concerned. He cared enough to ask.
These boys really do look out for me…even when I don't want them too.
Letting out a yawn, I really was tired.
See…wasn't totally lying.
Leaning my head on Makoto's shoulder, I closed my eyes.
"You don't mind, do you?" I asked, uncertain if I should have asked first.
"No I don't mind."
By the tone of his voice I knew he was wearing his usual closed-eye smile. He gave a few pats to my head, before leaving me to rest. His breathing caused my head to gently bob up and down. It was rather soothing.
Maybe I can finally calm down about this stupid gradation thing.
"Oh I see…you pushed me out of the way so you could put the moves on Cati-chan," a voice resonated from behind me.
Cracking an eye open, I craned my neck up to find Nagisa's head peering through from the back seat.
"Wh-what? I was not!" Makoto squeaked, turning to face Nagisa.
His abrupt turn led my head to thrash to the side. I'm surprised I didn't have whiplash.
Looks like I lost my pillow.
"Pshhh sure…." Nagisa went on, flicking his wrist.
"Oh gosh," I heard Rin groan from the back seat. "So what if he is? Why you jealous?" he joked.
"Wha—No! I was just saying that was probably Mako-chans intention, that's all," Nagisa blurted out, with red cheeks. "Not…not like you don't have a HUGE crush on her Rin-chan," Nagisa retorted back.
"W-what?! What are you talking about?"
"Please~. We all know you liked her in middle school," Nagisa continued.
"WHAT."
Holy WHAT?
"You talked about her all the time."
"I did not—"
Clearing his throat Nagisa's voice deepened, "Oh hey guys, guess what? I just got this cute tutor who's gunna give me one on one lessons in English. She's from America~. I wonder how long it will be before she asks me out—"
"I do not sound like that!" Rin exclaimed.
"I think you mean did not, since he is mimicking your past self," Rei added in.
"Looks like he's bad with the ladies and bad at grammar," Nagisa teased.
"You little—"
While they continued their small quarrel, I was able to settle back on Makoto's shoulder.
"Did he really talk about me a lot back in middle school?" I laughed, closing my eyes.
"Yeah he did. I mean not excessively, but he did."
"Did he have a crush on me?" I drawled, hoping to actually get some solid information.
"Heh, I don't know. It was hard to tell since Rin was so…ummm what's the word?"
"Fresh, a little pervert, radiating pubescent hormones…tell me when I get there."
That only caused Makoto to laugh even more.
"Yeah, you got it."
"So you don't know?"
"No I don't. But he did admire you."
"Well that's good to know….but can't be used as blackmail."
"Blackmail?"
"It's always good to have dirt on people you know for blackmail, Makoto. Remember that."
"Hahaha, ok, ok…So, what? Do you have any on me?" he joked.
"…"
"Wait, do you?"
"….."
"Catori?"
Keeping my code of silence, I kept my eyes shut.
"You do!"
Oh Dear Lord I shouldn't have said anything!
"What are you screaming about Makoto-senpai?" Rei inquired.
"I…I think Catori has information on all of us that could be used for blackmail," he mumbled.
"What?"
"What?!"
"Hahaha! Ooooh man if only you kids knew. Miss Cati-Cati sure is a force to be reckoned with," Chang's laughter rang through the car.
Why Chang. Just why?
"Oh c'mon guys, what could she really have on us?" Rin said, in hopes to get a reaction out of me. "He's kidding…right Catori?"
"Catori?"
"OH MY GOSH I'M SO DEAD," Gou shouted, finally realizing the gravity of the situation.
"It's not like I'm ever going to use it!" I finally spoke up.
"SO YOU DO," Nagisa gasped, practically falling out of his seat.
"I shouldn't have said anything."
Firstly just wanna apologize in advance for probably not posting the next chapter in a timely manner. Other than that, I hope you liked the chapter. I have a better idea of who I want Catori to be with buuuut still not 100% sure. I'm hoping to write some chapters that don't exactly go along with the anime, but still have some plot holes or not enough story line to make them meaty chapters yet. SO if you have any ideas all PLEASE let me know as it may help this writers block I have going on. So...um..yeah. And as usual any comments and suggestions are always welcome! I love hearing what you guys think! (seriously plz help me) C U in the next UPDATE!
(just realized I forgot the do my usual outro in my other fanfic. OH YEAH, so while you're bored go check my Rise of the Guardians fanficiton out, just updated it!)
Cly****
******Shoutouts*******
XxSaphirezxX: Heyyy duude! Anywho~~ haha, yeah they sure do have a special bond! I'm glad you the panicked words of Nagisa amuse you XD. Hope you liked the new chapter! ^-^
paulavara140: Awww thanks so much! Hope you liked the new chapter! ^-^
