How long has it been? TWO FREAKIN' MONTHS!? Holy crap, I'm really sorry for that. I never meant to take so long. Just... well, school recently started back up in the Philippines and another story is taking up most my free time.
I hope this new chapter is compensation enough to forgive me.
The clouds have passed the horizon: it is no longer raining! Ain't that swell? That said, it won't be gone forever. As the famous nursery rhyme goes, rain rain go away come again another day. Who knows what drama awaits everyone next?
Enjoy!
LUCKY STAR
A week of preparation had left Konata Izumi as ready as she'd ever be to tell the girl she loved exactly how much she loved her. All she had to do was go the karaoke place and she could finally enact her plan.
That said, they were experiencing some trouble as they went there. The karaoke place nearest to Ryoo was currently being investigated by the police as someone had apparently rented a booth there for six hours and ended up hospitalized due to to an overdose in illegal drugs. The second nearest place, near the supermarket some ways from the school, was packed with people because the first nearest karaoke place was unavailable - the students who wanted to karaoke had to find someplace else that was near the school. Another place that was one train station away was similarly packed as a near exact case happened to another karaoke place near a different school.
And so, Konata walked nervously through the streets, accompanied by an irritated Kagami, fairly cheerful Misao and Miyuki, and somewhat tired Tsukasa and Ayano.
Kagami was quite vocal with her complaints. She served as the voice for everyone else's complaints as well since, indeed, they too were starting to get annoyed at how things were going.
"You have got to be kidding me. That was the third one! Did every karaoke joint near a school let some nut job with drugs pass out in one of their booths!?"
"I don't know, Kagami." Konata said flatly, not quite sure how to react to her situation anymore.
It was like she were the protagonist in an anime. Of course stuff was happening to her. Her story wouldn't be interesting otherwise.
But I don't want to be the protagonist. Konata argued in her head. For once in my life, I actually want a small presence – one that's as small as the space my body takes up! Stop focusing on me, dammit! Make me a side character in a boring episode from a slice of life anime, not the main character in some cliché rom-com episode!
Much to her dismay, though not at all to her surprise, her wishes weren't granted. She wasn't in an anime, romantic comedy or otherwise. She knew of the distinction quite well. The wall between reality and anime was there. It could be leaned upon. It could even be broken. But the wall was there, and neither she nor the anime characters who were aware of it could cross over to the other side. And as much as she had agonized that fact over the years, she had come to accept it.
Oh dammit dammit DAMMIT! She thought, shaking her head. I have enough problems without all these depressing and DISTRACTING thoughts clouding my mind. Not only is it not helping, it's also taking up time that could be used to solve this problem. I need something to make them go away!
As if there to answer Konata's unspoken request, Tsukasa quietly hugged the shorter girl from behind, infusing her with what seemed like a concentrated dose of happiness that was nothing short of electrifying.
"If things aren't going as planned, you could always improvise, right?" Tsukasa whispered as she pulled away.
Konata smiled wryly. "Right…" Well wouldn't you know it, the student has become the master. To think I only got her into improv last month. Oh how time flies…
"Okay, I'm guessing you guys are tired?" Konata asked the others, sounding quite a bit tired herself.
"Yeah. Couldn't you tell?" Kagami grumbled. "Nope" Misao quipped with a grin. "I'm feeling a little thirsty but no, I'd say I'm fine" Miyuki answered. "I could use a bit of rest…" Ayano said quietly. "Same here…" Tsukasa agreed is a similarly soft voice.
Konata sighed. "Yeah, figured as much." She shook her head and pulled out her phone. "Okay, I'm gonna have to cash in a few favors. Guys, we're going back to the train station for now." She couldn't help but chuckle at the collective groan that followed her statement. She turned to Tsukasa and winked "Tsukasa, if you would…"
As the group began moving, Konata began sending a series of texts. Tsukasa, probably realizing what Konata meant, quickly began walking behind the bluenette, nudging her left and right to avoid obstacles in their way and to keep her on track.
Even as she texted, a sense of pride and joy seemed to spread through Konata. She was putting literally all her trust in Tsukasa to keep her from stumbling – and Tsukasa was delivering. The happiness she felt at knowing they could share something like this felt almost unreal. It wholly cemented the fact in Konata's mind that she loved Tsukasa and she need only tell her so.
Not that she wasn't sure before. The reason they were even out on their little adventure was because Konata was to give Tsukasa her reply. And her reply was a very solid yes. Indeed, Konata did love Tsukasa back. What she said the week prior was just because she was so happy and–
Konata shook her head once more. Distractions, distractions. Distracting me from action. She thought with a sing-song voice even as she scowled in an attempt to clear her mind. Now where was I…?
LUCKY STAR
"Hey, I'm here to hang out again!"
Yutaka had just arrived home and was in the process of removing her shoes when she heard the sound of engines roaring and tires screeching right outside the house. Shortly after, her sister, Yui, burst through the door with the energy and enthusiasm of an entire stadium of sports fans.
"Good afternoon, Onee-san." Yutaka greeted cheerfully. "Is it your day off already?"
"Nah, I spent the day training a couple of rookies. We got into some trouble – a lot of it. It was nasty." Yui gagged, as she recalled the events of the day as she experienced it. "Everything was fine til' about a few hours ago. We got five simultaneous cases of illegal drug overdose victims locked in karaoke booths."
Yutaka shuddered. She had seen something like that during her years at the hospital and it was not a pretty sight. Though, from what Yui described, the cases that day were substantially more unpleasant than what she had once seen. "Are you okay, sis?"
Yui shook her head. "No, not really. It's one of the reasons I had to take leave. I just couldn't handle it, you know?"
Yutaka blinked, suddenly realizing something. "I thought you were a traffic cop?"
"I was. I got offered a promotion of sorts this week after one our older guys got let go." Yui looked down solemnly. "I'm kinda regret accepting that offer though…" She shook her head and she was back to her normal energetic self. "But enough of that. A couple of hours spent with my angel of a little sister should be enough to cheer me up!"
With that, the woman with ocean blue hair kicked off her shoes and dashed for the kitchen, leaving Yutaka sweatdropping at the sight.
She sighed. Maybe a couple of hours with Onee-chan is something I need too. I know for sure it'd cheer me up. She slipped on the in-doors slippers and follower her sister into the kitchen.
LUCKY STAR
"I'm sorry to have kept you, Minami" Nurse Amahara apologized.
Fuyuki Amahara and Minami Iwasaki, School Nurse and Nurse's Aid respectively, had stayed at school late for reasons fairly simple. Nurse Amahara was in need of assistance in taking inventory and Minami Iwasaki volunteered to help, something said student was keen on reminding the nurse.
"It's fine, Miss Amahara. I volunteered to help so you do not need to apologize for keeping me" Minami said flatly "Speaking of which, what time is it?"
Amahara checked her watch, noting how late it had become. "A quarter to five. You should get going, Minami. It's almost winter so the sun sets earlier than it usually does."
Minami nodded, shouldering her bag. "Good night, Miss Amahara"
"Stay safe, Minami. Have a good weekend. Be sure to inform me of anything supernatural to come your way"
With that, she left the nurse's office, passing Ms Sakuraba on her way in.
That day, she and Yutaka had not gone home together. Had the shorter girl received another letter? Minami didn't know.
Official school investigations on the who had sent said letters had begun but progress didn't seem any more prominent than when Minami was working at it on her own. In other words, no new information has been gathered since the investigation began at the start of that week – other than information that should not have been made public.
She frowned. This investigation is neither subtle nor aggressive enough. On the first day of investigations, lockers were forced open and their contents were inspected. They found eight letters, more than half of which were love letters. The letters that attacked the school's homosexuals were also found but it also outed some of those who were still in-the closet – that is to say, those who were still keeping their sexuality secret. Two of those outed stopped going to school. The disciplinary committee's methods lack tact.
Thinking positively, at least the letters have stopped being sent – at least to us. Minami thought. But the problem isn't solved yet. These people haven't been brought to justice…
Justice… She chuckled bitterly. If these letters weren't targeting students, it's probable that none of these 'investigations' would happen at all. The fact that we're students is the only reason this matter is even being considered. No one would do a thing to stop these monsters without a name because everyone has closed their minds to the possibility that people like us are human beings with feelings. Most people would tolerate us… but they wouldn't care about whatever terrible things might happen to us.
Minami stopped walking and took a deep breath, noting how tensed up she suddenly was. With a deep inhale and slow exhale, she unclenched her fists and let her shoulders relax. I mustn't let these feelings of anger get the better of me. I have more self control than this…
After sufficiently calming herself down, Minami began walking once more.
LUCKY STAR
A knock on the Kusakabe residence's front door left it's only occupant at the time in a state to mild yet profound confusion. They weren't expecting visitors, and Misao wouldn't be home until later that night. Who would visit them then? The answer presented itself to the one boy in the house quite easily as he simply went to see who it was.
"Oh… it's you" Masaru muttered upon seeing who it was behind the door.
"Hey." Akira Minegishi smiled cheerfully at the boy. "Came to check on you."
"I told you, I'm fine" Masaru said dryly before closing the door, the lock clicking softly as it smoothly slid into the door frame. Suddenly the door shot open, with a pissed looking Akira glaring back at him. Masaru frowned. "Don't slam the door" He scolded boredly. Akira gave him a look of disgust to which he responded with his own look of mock disbelief. "…What? Did I do something wrong?" He asked, voice practically oozing with sarcasm.
Akira sighed and stepped past the threshold, kicking off her shoes and walking to the living room.
"Bad day, huh?" Masaru noted before closing the door and following her inside.
Akira sat down at the coffee table and set up her laptop. As she did so, Masaru took the time to note the girl's physical state. She looked fatigued, though that wasn't new. She was taking an engineering course at a nearby university – tired was very much the norm for her ever since she graduated high school. However, the fatigue Masaru noticed was not of the exhaustion inherent to someone like her. It was something deeper and much closer to home, he felt. And it didn't help that she wasn't wearing make up that day.
"So, something up?" He asked, easing himself onto a seat. "Something from home?"
"Yeah, that's actually one of the reasons I came here"
Masaru afforded himself a smug smirk. Bingo. He thought, pleased with himself. And, as always, this girl gets straight to the point. Alright, lay down your cards and let's see how it looks
"I've been guilt tripping Ayano." Akira stated curtly.
"Idiot" Masaru said almost immediately after those words left the girl's mouth. "I told all of you, I'm fine. I don't want her blaming herself any more than necessary. What you're doing is stupid"
The dark orange haired girl scowled. "No, what I'm doing is cruel." She said, not really helping her case in Masaru's eyes. "But it's the only way I can think of for her to realize the truth"
Cruel? Yeah, pretty fucking cruel. The boy rolled his eyes in annoyance. "The truth to what, exactly?"
"The reason she got so angry at you in the first place"
Masaru laughed. "Well, good fucking luck. That girl's so caught up in the lie she's been living this past three years that she actually believes it's true. I'm starting to believe she never knew it was a lie in the first place"
"That's bullshit." Akira snapped "She knows deep down and just won't accept it. The only way she'll accept it is if she realizes the truth herself."
"Like I said, good fucking luck."
The two stared at each other, shooting daggers from their eyes like it was a knife throwing competition. Neither was willing to back down so they stayed that way for quite some time. Only with the sound of a microwave ringing did they allow their gaze to falter. Masaru stood and made for the kitchen.
Geez, girl, what the fuck? Even I'm not that harsh to my little sister.
LUCKY STAR
"Tamura, you're doing it again."
Hiyori blinked. She had barely noticed that, once more, in her hand, was a crumpled piece of paper torn from her sketch pad. Uncrumpling said paper surprised her in that it did not contain a drawing of one Patricia Martin as is did in the past. Rather, it was a background: An airport with a plane taking off – or at least it was supposed to be…
Ko peered over Hiyori's shoulder and muttered dryly. "Tamura, something tells me you've never seen an airport before – or an airplane…"
Hiyori sighed. "No, I haven't. The next chapter of my story involves someone going abroad but I'm having trouble drawing the scene that shows the airport"
"Why not just, I don't know, make a crowd of people and at a text box at the top of the page saying 'airport'?"
Hiyori stood and looked at Ko in disgust. "How dare you even suggest such a lazy method of doing things!? My work has quality and integrity! I'm doing this right!"
"Huh? So you gonna go to an airport?"
"Yes." Hiyori said a-matter-of-factly "And you're coming with me."
Ko blinked. "Wait, what?" Right as Hiyori was shouldering her bag and leaving, Ko grabbed her own bag and jumped in front of the manga artist. "Okay, what makes you think I'm going?"
"Please? I'll owe you a favor"
Ko looked at the glasses girl with a tired annoyance. "Tamura, you owe me fourteen favors already. If you keep this up, you're gonna be in my debt for the rest of your life"
"Well, that's because you refuse to cash any of them in!" Hiyori said angrily. She sighed, before bowing low. "Please, senpai. Just an afternoon taking pictures at the airport. I can even wait until winter break starts. Please!"
"Why not just ask the Martin girl? I heard she was going back stateside once break starts."
Upon hearing those words, all the air inside the room seemed to have been instantaneously sucked into oblivion, leaving a certain silence hanging in the empty space the air once occupied.
"Tamura…? Tamura, what's wrong?"
Everything was faint – like if sound was an image and it was blurred beyond recognition. And even actual the images she saw with her own two eyes seemed to be blurring. And she couldn't breathe. It was like being under water. But with a blink, suddenly everything was back to normal. Ko was still looking at her worriedly and she herself was still…
"She's leaving…?" Hiyori asked quietly. Just when we became friends again…? She wanted to add. She shook her head in confusion.
"Wait, you didn't know? There was talk all about it from the first years in our club. You're telling me you weren't paying attention?" Hiyori shrunk. Ko scratched the back of her head. "Ah, Tamura, what am I going to do with you…?"
Ko stepped forward and put her hand on Hiyori's head. "Look kid, she's not gonna be gone forever. Just wait it out and don't let it get to ya." She said with a reassuring smile. It somehow worked – Hiyori felt reassured. "Besides, you've still got some time 'til winter break. Why not make the most of it?"
Hiyori nodded sullenly, sad smile adorning her face. The silence that followed didn't feel quite as empty. It was however, short lived.
They both suddenly jumped at two simultaneous ring tones. Hiyori checked her phone and Ko did the same. They both got a text message from Konata.
"Looks like you've got a chance to pay some of your debts today" Ko said with a grin. "C'mon, Izumi-senpai's got a job for us" With that, she dashed out of the room.
Hiyori nodded and followed the blonde out the door.
LUCKY STAR
As Minami walked to the station she notice how there were a lot of police officers walking around. Feeling uncharacteristically nosy, she decided to walk up to one and ask what's going on.
"Excuse me, officer?" Minami said, catching the police woman's attention.
"Well, you're out late. After-school club activities?" The woman asked.
"Something like that." Minami looked around anxiously. The karaoke place her senpais were supposed to go to was nearby. "Did something happen here?"
"Yeah. Terrible stuff. Maybe two or three hours ago, some drug addicts were found passed out inside of a karaoke booth. The place had to stop business for the day so we could perform investigations. Can't say much else – official police business and stuff"
The feeling of dread growing inside of Minami seemed to subside when she found out that the place was already closed when Miyuki and her other senpais arrived. "So it was hours ago. That's a relief..." She breathed.
"I take it that your friends were going to karaoke today? Well, they had to find someplace else. Don't worry, they should be fine."
Minami nodded and continued on her way.
LUCKY STAR
"What I'm saying is, that's a shitty way to be a big sister"
"Oh, and what makes you any different!?" Akira yelled.
Masaru growled in annoyance. They weren't getting anywhere with this. It was just a back and forth banter that was going in circles. Akira was as stubborn as her sister. How was he supposed to convince her to lay off with the guilt tripping when she threatened to get all violent. It was like he was in his relationship with Ayano all over again, except this time, he wasn't in it willingly.
"What makes me different is that Misao can take it. Do you have any idea how fragile Ayano is?"
"But what about what she did to you? What about what she put you through for three years!?"
Masaru winced.
Yeah, their relationship was far from perfect. Hell, it wasn't even happy. It was a miracle his patience lasted as long as it did. But he knew what he was getting himself into. He had known Ayano for nine years already by the time they gotten together. He had accepted his fate the moment he said yes
"What she put me through was something I chose for myself." Masaru said quietly. "You could say my goal was the same one you're trying to achieve right now."
Akira looked at him skeptically. "Explain..."
Masaru grit his teeth. Fine...
LUCKY STAR
"Hey… uh… Masaru…?" Ayano asked quietly
Masaru looked away from his laptop to see a middle school senior with bright orange hair look at him with similarly bright blue eyes. This was the first time his best friend's sister ever called him, not by the nickname she gave him, Masa-kun, but by his first name – and without honorifics at that. She looked ever so shy and cute.
Of course, he had to keep appearances - and to most, he appeared to be a gruff and not overly nice person. So he replied as such. "What do you want, Ayano?" He asked dryly.
"I was just wondering if you're… you know, free this Saturday…"
Masaru looked at her skeptically. Okay, what the actual fuck? Is she asking me out on a date? "Yeah, I'm free but…"
"Please…" Ayano looked down.
Oh, crap, she is. Masaru grit his teeth. How the hell did this even happen? As far as I can tell, she thinks I'm just some asshole who's related to Misao. Now she's asking me out? Is this some sort of joke? Did someone dare her? He noticed Misao worriedly watching from around the corner. Masaru glared at her. Oh you fucking bitch, you forced this onto her didn't you?
"Please…!" Ayano repeated more forcefully, causing the boy's stern look on his sister to falter.
"…This… This isn't some sort of dare, is it…?" When Ayano didn't answer, Masaru simply scowled at his laptop screen, the various colorful explosions of the video game on screen no longer keeping his interest. It's not a dare. No one's forcing her…
With a lot of reluctance, Masaru agreed on the date. "Sure… I'll pick you up at six… We can go see a movie or something…"
"… Thank you…" Ayano said quietly, before stalking off to join Misao who gave her a hand on her shoulder and a sad but reassuring smile.
No one's forcing her… except herself…? Masaru looked away from the scene, suddenly feeling terrible. This wasn't a dare. I just know it isn't…
He exited the video game and put his computer to sleep before putting it aside and leaning forward, hands clenched into fists at the edges of the table. I get the feeling that my decision will make me really fucking miserable… But why am I more worried about Ayano…?
He shook his head before picking up his laptop and leaving. I need some air…
LUCKY STAR
Hiyori stood on the roof, glaring through the fence. She was waiting for someone to say something important and it was not something she wanted to wait on. Thankfully, she didn't need to wait long. The door opened and out came Patricia Martin, busty and blonde, with a smug grin on her face.
Patricia casually walked over to Hiyori. "So, what'd you wanna talk about?"
Hiyori turned and slapped the blonde. The manga artist stared icy daggers at her before replying with coldness equal to that of said gaze. "We're over, Patricia Martin."
Patrica brought a hand up to her cheek and rubbed it gingerly before looking at Hiyori in outrage. "The fuck!?" She yelled in English. "What did I do this time!?"
"Exactly what you've always been doing! You've been telling me I should just say so if something's bothering me but why is it that when I do exactly that, you ignore me!? Am I that unimportant to you!? Am I really just some girl who you get to have sex with!? Every time I ask that, you answer no, but is that really true!?"
"I…" Patricia frowned and looked down. "Fine! It's over, then! See if I care!" Patricia turned and left, stomping to the door which she curtly slammed shut on her way down.
Hiyori sighed, leaning backwards against the fence and letting herself slide to the floor. "Well… I told her how I feel…" She muttered to herself, voice cracking. "At least it's finally over…"
LUCKY STAR
Hiyori stared awkwardly in the opposite direction of a certain girl whom Konata had also called to assist. Really, she should have expected this but somehow, seeing her face at that particular moment came like punch to the gut.
"Yo, Hiyori, Ko-senpai." Patricia greeted with a tired wave.
Her desire to be polite overruling her desire to leave, Hiyori turned around and returned the greeting along with Ko.
"I reckon senpai sent you a text too?" Ko asked
"Yeah. I've got my stuff, how about you guys?"
"Yup. Me and Tamura got what Izumi-senpai asked of us. Now we've just gotta set it up"
And set up they did. Ko got to work uncurling the extension cords, Hiyori connected the projector and laptop, while Patricia set up the speakers. While Ko got busy looking for an electrical outlet to plug into that didn't require her to look for another extension cord, Patricia and Hiyori had a little chat.
"So… you're going back to America come winter break…?" Hiyori asked quietly, not really expecting an answer.
"…You heard…?" Patricia asked, though it didn't feel like it was a question that wanted an answer either. She chuckled and shook her head. "… Yeah. Been planning to for a long time…"
"… Why didn't you tell me…?"
"Honestly? I didn't think you'd care."
Somehow, that didn't surprise Hiyori one bit. But hearing it seemed to open wounds that were still in the process of healing. Why? Why didn't she think Hiyori would care? Why was she so insensitive so as to think such a ridiculous thing? The raven haired girl just seethed with outrage just thinking about it.
"Why do you keep doing that…!?" Patricia said angrily, snapping Hiyori out of her own thoughts. "Why do you keep raging over stuff that doesn't matter? I don't understand…"
"Patricia…" Hiyori breathed. Even in the calm silence of the empty school campus, her voice felt small.
"I don't understand… Why do you care so much…?" Patricia slowly fell to her knees. "Why did you just keep getting angry at me…? Why didn't you just let me go!? Leave me! Ignore me! Cut ties and never speak to me again! Why didn't you do that!?" Her voice broke as a single tear fell down her cheek. "Why didn't you just leave me the moment the relationship didn't work out of you…? Why did you force a relationship that obviously wouldn't work…?"
The manga artist swallowed, feeling once more like the air had grown so thin so as to just disappear. "Because I wanted it to work…"
"I don't understand!" Patricia yelled. "I don't understand…" She repeated in a softer voice.
Hiyori stood and walked over to Patricia before forcing the blonde to her feet and slapping her. The sound of palm colliding with cheek echoed into the night.
"What is so hard to understand!?" Hiyori asked harshly. "I love you. Whether as a friend or as a lover, it doesn't matter. I love you. I wanted to be happy with you. Why was that so hard to understand!?"
As the blonde just looked at her with pained confusion, Hiyori felt angry – no, furious – no, completely and utterly taken by rage – rage at how she finally understood. She finally understood that Patricia simply didn't – and never would.
She could almost feel pity for the blonde. All the times she had asked Hiyori to explain – had asked to be told what was wrong – none of them mattered because it was more than likely that Patricia simply didn't understand of word of it. Their relationship was doomed from the start, and knowing that brought a certain clarity to Hiyori.
They wanted different things, Hiyori felt. She knew she would never get anything more out of their relationship than sex and she finally felt ready to accept that. Everything else about their relationship was shallow, at best, and even though Hiyori could tell Patricia cared for her, her attachment wasn't deep. It would probably be better if they had simply stayed as they once were: friends – perhaps even friends with benefits.
As Hiyori's anger subsided, she felt a smile grow on her face. It felt sad – pained even – but real. It felt hopeful. She had finally let go. Maybe she could finally move on now…?
She looked at the blond, standing stiffly in front of her. She looked hurt in more ways than one. "You hate me now, don't you…?" Patricia asked quietly. "I'm sorry I don't understand. I'm sorry I can't. I'm sorry…"
Hiyori shook her head and gave Patricia a hug. "It's fine, Patty. I forgive you. My mind is still raging on whether or not I should, but I forgive you." She gave her a kiss on the lips. It was a tame one in comparison to how they normally kissed but somehow it felt much more passionate. She pulled away slowly, whispering. "I still love you, Patty. But I know when to give up…" Hiyori released Patricia from the embrace. "Consider the two of us over for good…"
Patricia looked at the raven haired girl, wide eyed and crying. She smiled, ever so slightly. The blonde threw her arms around Hiyori, locking them into a hug once more, sobbing quietly into her chest.
Hiyori chuckled, stroking the blonde's hair. "Let it all out…" She whispered.
Patricia said she'll never get her happy ending. I'm more inclined to believe her now… She closed her eyes. I almost feel sorry for her…
LUCKY STAR
With a certain amount of confusion, Tsukasa and company found themselves walking back to school. When she asked Konata why, she merely smiled and told them that all would be clear once they got there. They were only a short distance from Ryoo and that gap was slowly being closed, but Tsukasa did not at all find any more clarity with the situation than she had earlier.
"Dammit, my feet are killing me" Kagami complained. Tsukasa turned behind her to see Misao pick up the older twin. "Hey, stop that!" Kagami shouted with a deep blush on her cheeks
"Hey, you said you were tired. Might as well, right?"
"But it's embarrassing...?" Kagami said quietly.
Misao grinned. "Good."
With a flustered reluctance obvious to even Tsukasa, Kagami lowered her head and nodded.
Tsukasa watched the two with quiet curiosity. That was a rare display of affection between them. To Tsukasa's knowledge, Kagami liked to keep things tame - the most she had ever instigated was hand holding and even then that was rare. Misao on the other hand tended to take the lead, hugging and kissing the tsundere from out of the blue - Kagami would always stop her before anything ever came of it.
Then she remembered when she saw the two of them standing in the rain last week. They were having a moment of intimacy, Konata had said. Tsukasa didn't quite understand what she meant. Now, she might just have it. That was how the two of them showed affection to each other. Their mere presence was enough for them. It was amazing.
"They're not a perfect couple, but they really do love each other..." Tsukasa whispered to herself. "And they both know they love each other..." She stared at Konata's back, the bluenette still marching on in front of them. "I know she feels the same way. I'm only waiting for her to admit it..." She shook her head. "Then why do I feel so tense right now? Why do I feel so uncertain? Why am I so afraid? Why...?"
"Hey..." Tsukasa turned to her side to see that Misao was now walking beside her. In her arms was Kagami, staring with a calmness that felt strangely comforting.
"Relax, sis. Everything's gonna go fine." Kagami said with a tired smile. "You know how Konata is. Everything always has to be convoluted and weird with her. You know what's going to happen: she's gonna say she loves you back - you just don't know how she's gonna do it." She chuckled. "If I were you, I'd just stop worrying and enjoy the show. Whatever she has in mind, it's going to be great."
Misao laughed. "Heh, that's rich coming from you."
The tsundere scowled, cheeks turning a shade darker. "Is there a problem, Misao?"
Misao laughed louder "Nope, no problem at all"
Tsukasa smiled. "Okay..."
LUCKY STAR
"Yo, Yu-chan, whatcha' doing there? Moping?" Yui asked, sounding slightly concerned.
"Just thinking about mom." Yutaka said, looking quietly out the window. "I miss her…"
Yui chuckled "Well, you're not the only one. Haven't seen here since last Christmas"
Yutaka stood from her seat by the window and joined Yui on her bed. "Hey, Onee-chan. What was life like…? You know…before…"
"Before you first got hospitalized?" Yui sat up straight and smiled, seemingly eager to reminisce. "Well, it was definitely a happier time, that's for sure
"When you were born, I was still in elementary – just a happy, energetic, sorta boyish little girl. You, on the other hand, were an even happier and even more energetic little toddler. We were like two peas in a pod. I'd make up some crazy scheme and you'd follow me even though you were barely able to walk. Mom and Dad were always scolding me, telling me I was a bad influence, and would be a danger to you. I never really believed them until you stole a spoon from the kitchen and tried to force it into an electrical outlet because I said you'd get super powers from it."
They both wince from the memory. Yutaka's left hand had turned numb that night and Yui was so wracked with guilt that she couldn't sleep.
"Yeah, I was a terrible sister back then. Of course, the damage had already been done - you gained my reckless tendencies - so we spent the next few years trying to keep you from hurting yourself. It took a long time for you to start cooperating with us. Still, it was kinda fun seeing all the antics you'd pull"
Yutaka felt mortified. "Was I really that much of a handful?"
Yui laughed. "That, and then some." She shook her head slowly, looking thoughtful. "But I would have given anything to keep you that way…"
Yutaka frowned. "What happened?"
"Oh, you know what happened."
"No, I don't. I know something happened, just not what."
Yui blinked, apparently surprised at the revelation. "We didn't tell you?"
"No. All I know is that something happened when I was really young to make me as sickly as I am now and that I'd be told more about it once I was older… Then I moved here and never had the chance to ask about it again"
"Oh…" Yui said quietly, stroking her ocean blue hair. "You know what? I think you're more than old enough to know." She said, looking at Yutaka seriously. The red head simply nodded and let Yui tell her what happened. "You fell off a tree while you were climbing it"
Yutaka frowned. "Really? That was it?"
"Yeah."
"Was it a tall tree?" The red head asked.
"No really."
"Oh..."
"Anyway, you fell off a tree, broke your arm, and for some reason, you were sickly ever since." Yui crossed her arms and pouted. "Makes no sense to me either, to be honest. And it's unfair that you became so weak after that. You used to have so much energy. The fact that something so trivial doing that to you really grinds my gears, you know?"
Yutaka nodded quietly. "That was... well... it's not like I was expecting anything big like getting hit by a bus but..." She tiredly let her head tilt to the side. "That was a bit anticlimactic..."
"Eh, I can agree with you there." Yui's face suddenly lit up. "Ooh! There's a word I haven't heard you use yet. Who'd you hear it from?"
"Well, Konata-nee-chan. Something about anime. She was talking to Kagami-senpai at the time"
"Do tell!"
"Um... okay...?"
And so, their conversation continued, with a tone much lighter than it had when it began.
LUCKY STAR
Minami quietly walked through the front door of the Iwasaki estate. Having just arrived home, she still wore her uniform but planned to change the moment she got to her room. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she was met with surprise. She had been trudging along with her head down and her eyes looking towards her feet and had not been aware of the two women sitting on the steps.
"M-minami… H-hello. I didn't hear you come in" Honoka said shakily, awkwardly trying to straighten out her shirt and hair, face still flushed from her earlier… activities… with the woman next to her.
That woman was Yukari, who wore similarly messy shirt and hair style as well as similarly red cheeks. "Y-yes." She agreed. "It's common courtesy to tell the people of the house that you're home…"
Minami blinked. "I'm home…" She said after the fact in her usual monotone
"Well, you're awfully cheeky today." Honoka noted. "Did something unpleasant happen?"
Minami frowned and thought for a bit. "Nothing… happened, per se…" She began. "Just a possibility… a very unpleasant one…"
Minami looked at Honoka who was similarly looking back at her. Then the mother glanced at the other mother, smiling apologetically. Minami turned her gaze to Yukari just long enough to see her nod in a look of quiet understanding before turning back to her mother.
As Honoka stood and gave her a hug, Minami couldn't help but wonder if being naturally adept at reading body language was something hereditary or if it was something learned from being with someone for long enough. She knew of only three people who could hold entire conversations without speaking: Miyuki, Yutaka, and herself – that list grew by two people just now. But the three of them were close. And she and Miyuki had mothers who were also apparently adept at reading people. She had yet to see anyone else who was as effective as they were.
Perhaps I should do research on it? Minami thought. Wow, look at this. I'm turning into Miyuki, with her impulsive curiosity. But this interests me, so I don't see why not.
"You suddenly became distracted by something else when I hugged you" Honoka commented as she pulled away from the hug. "You seem happier. I take it you're cheered up now?"
"Hmm… You could say that. Thank you mother"
Honoka smiled. "No problem"
As Minami continued on towards her room, she uncharacteristically turned back to tease the two women. "You two should get a room."
Honoka blushed. "It's our house isn't it?" She argued in embarrassment.
"You were in the way."
Honoka looked away, accepting defeat with flushed cheeks. Yukari was similarly blushing. The two hurriedly walked down the steps and out of Minami's view.
Minami shook her head, chuckling in amusement.
LUCKY STAR
The bizarre scene before them was something akin to that of a comedy anime. It made no sense for it to be there and, frankly, it was a feat in itself that it was there in the first place. In the little niche behind the school building of all places was a makeshift stage of desks with small speakers on either side. Two rows of folding chairs were arranged in front of it - enough for eight people to watch. Behind the row of seats was another desk with a laptop and projector, lighting up the wall behind the stage with the wonderful image of two girls kissing - they didn't need to ask whose laptop it was as it was pretty obvious that it was Hiyori's.
Tsukasa stared at the stage in wonder. Konata had called for that. In less than thirty minutes, they delivered.
"Gotta hand it to Chibi. She pulled out all the stops for this." Misao said sitting down at the second row.
Kagami chuckled sitting down next to her. "Yeah. This is even more extravagant than her last plan. Normally when you switch to the back up plan, you scale downward. Not this." She shook her head. "Still, something like this just screams Konata. This is exactly the sort of thing you expect from her."
"I gave her the idea. The original plan involving karaoke was mine, actually." Miyuki said cheerfully. "I can somewhat understand the train of thought for her to instead do a concert. After all, it does involve singing."
"I don't think I'll get to sing but I'm excited anyway." Ayano said. "I heard a lot from Kagami-san that Izumi-san has a very nice singing voice."
Miyuki and Ayano sat down on the other folding chairs, also in the second row.
"Well what are you doing just standing there?" Misao asked suddenly, causing Tsukasa to jump. "Just sit down, Imouto."
Tsukasa nodded and made her way to the seat on the far left, only to have someone else sit there. It was... "Ms. Kuroi?"
The blonde teacher gave a cheerful grin. "Evening. You excited?"
"Er... yes, I am." Tsukasa moved to take the seat on the far right but was again foiled when another person sat. "Um, hello"
"Heya, senpai! I'm Ko Yasaka. You're Izumi-senpai's girlfriend, right? Nice to meet ya" Ko held out a hand which Tsukasa reluctantly shook.
She sighed and took one of the middle seat on the front row.
Konata on the stage holding a mic. "Testing. Testing... Hiyori, turn up the volume a little." Behind them, on the laptop was Hiyori and Patricia fumbling with the laptop and projector. "Testing. Okay, this should be good. Thanks." Konata then turned to face the audience - rather directly to Tsukasa.
"Yo, how's it going." She greeted cheerfully. "As you all know, a series of unfortunate events has caused me to scrap my earlier, much easier plan of simply bringing you all to a karaoke place and having a grand old time there."
"Every single karaoke place had drug addicts for patrons today" Kagami said.
"Hey, no heckling." Konata scolded. "Anyway, because of that, I had to improvise. Thus, here we are today, behind the school having a concert" She said gesturing to her surroundings. Then she looked at Tsukasa. "And said concert is dedicated to my girlfriend, Tsukasa Hiiragi..." She maintained eye contact for a good while before blinking and looking back to the audience in general. "Anyway, I hope you all enjoy. Hiyori, do the thing."
The light from the projector turned dark for a few seconds before a spot light of white illuminated just Konata on the stage. Then the music started - an electronic whistle and the light tapping of cymbals followed by an upbeat melody of keyboard and drums.
~Saw a star and made a little wish but
Gotta wonder how it's gonna get to you
With the wishes everybody's wishing
All on one little star~
It sounded familiar. She swore she heard it before but she couldn't quite remember. The memory was faint - the only thing she knew for sure was that Konata had been a part of it.
~Now I'm thinking "Something is wrong with this.
All the time I'm wondering where you are."
But you don't seem to understand that
Something's going on~
Tsukasa couldn't help but feel entranced. Konata looked happier than she had ever seen - and listening to the lyrics made Tsukasa feel happy in turn.
~So just STOP
Think back, take a look at me
Cuz' you can't erase, escape,
or ever get rid of me!~
Konata looked at Tsukasa with a bright smile and equally bright eyes. Tsukasa felt surprisingly calm. She almost didn't hear the music, just the sound of Konata's voice. All around them was darkness, and the only light was Konata, singing in a voice that gave the younger Hiiragi twin goose bumps.
~Harmony for you. Harmony for two
And all my life I'm gonna be dreaming of you you
Now I've got to try. Gotta keep my head held high
When I'm looking around and I can't figure out where this is going
Gotta prove what I can do
It'll lead me back to you
You're the one til I can see
What it is that I should be~
Something clicked inside Tsukasa. This is from Haruhi... She realized. That's why I think of Konata when I hear this song. It's from her favorite show. She smiled, happy that she finally got one of Konata's anime references.
As the audience applauded, Tsukasa was knocked out of her stupor. Around her were her friends and Konata once again stood on the stage, except that the light shining on her was no longer a spot light but the VLC Media Player logo. It quickly turn back into a spot light. "Sorry," Hiyori called.
"Well, I'm glad you all enjoyed that. Last Wednesday, Tsukasa told me that she loved me." Konata said with a chuckle. "Believe it or not, that the first time she actually said it out loud. I was freakin' terrified when she said that, you know? Like, how do I respond? Should I joke about it? Should I slap her and lean in for a kiss? What am I thinking, why the heck would I slap her, right? I thought of that because I remembered it from my dating sims and visual novels. I'll be honest, not one of the choices I remember choosing would work. So I stalled for a weeks. Now here we are"
Konata smiled and looked at Tsukasa. "Tsukasa, I love you. I know you know that. I know everyone else here knows that. But I had to say it. I had to say it like this: during concert I literally had prepared mere minutes ago. The sheer absurdity of the whole thing is what gave me the courage to say it at all. So while that courage is still with me, I'll say it again. Tsukasa Hiiragi, I love you."
Tsukasa stood. She didn't know what came over her. She just stood and climbed up on stage. She walked to Konata's side and looked at her in as straight a face as her teary eyed emotional state allowed. With both hands, she slapped Konata face, squeezing her cheeks. "Konata Izumi, I love you too" With that, she pulled her into a kiss.
Hiyori, holding a handkerchief against her nose, quickly laid a sheet of cellophane over the projector, turning the spot light pink. The rest of the audience cheered as the two finally said what they wanted to say. More music started playing, and Konata began singing again. Others got to sing as well as Hiyori's playlist seemed to have a least one song that everyone liked. In the end, it was almost as if they DID have karaoke.
LUCKY STAR
[LUCKY CHANNEL!]
[Hiya Luckies! I'm Akira Kogami!]
[And I'm Minoru Shiraishi]
[I'm Navigator A]
[And I'm Navigator B. Evening everyone! It's the end of the week once more. To all you students tuning in, I hope you plan on enjoying your weekend. I know I am.]
[Really now, Minoru? Wanna tell us what you plan on doing tomorrow?]
[Well, first I'm gonna do my homework and-]
[Seriously? Homework? That's what 'enjoying your weekend' is to you?]
[Hey, I happen to like learning.]
[Really? Then maybe you could spend your weekend with ME and LEARN the REAL meaning of 'enjoying your weekend']
[...Are... Are you asking me out on a date?]
[No! Now shut up and answer!]
[I don't know! That was a curve ball and I have no idea how to react! Put down your fists!]
[Fine... Anyway, since this is the weekend, how bout' we have a good time with this jazzy ED to Blood Blockade Battlefront. Sugar Song And Bitter Step by Unison Square Garden. Enjoy!]
[You say my segues are bad but yours are absolutely terrible]
[Shut it. You're taking me, aren't you? Don't disrespect your date.]
[What? I never agreed to-]
~music start~
LUCKY STAR
The insert-song for this chapter was Tomare! the ED to The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009)
You can thank Acsuperman for this new chapter. You can say his last update to "The Rabbit and The Puppy" was just the push of inspiration I needed to finish this.
Unfortunately, I may have lost my steam with this one. I personally think that the later parts aren't as good as the earlier parts. It feels kinda... i don't know, hollow? Especially that last segment with Konata's answer. It just doesn't have the emotional impact I want. Even with that burst of inspiration, it wasn't enough. I sigh in disappointment.
Anyway, Patricia is leaving Japan. If anyone called it, you get a cookie. Like I said, her active role in the story is over. I'm just tying up loose ends before she's outta here.
Also, back story stuff! Do you see what I did there with the chapter title? Idk.
Anyway, sorry for the later chapter. Don't expect a new one any time soon but it'll get here eventually. Hopefully the quality will remain even next time.