Ladies and gentlemen, I have the pleasure to present to you the fifty-three chapter! Also, there will officially be fifty-five chapters. I really hope you'll hang on until the end! Oh, and before I forget... OMFG! We passed the one-hundred reviews! This is amazing! I mean, I know there are thousands of stories that have way more than that, but it's a first for one of my own fanfictions, so it makes me really happy.
You're all so amazing!
Thoughts.
Singing = boy
Singing = girl
Singing = both
Enjoy!
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I Will Always Be STARISH!
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It's time.
It's time.
It's time.
These two simple words kept echoing in my head in a mantra, each time my heart gaining a faster pace. After all these months, all this hard work, practices, projects, jobs, preparations, much trouble and some heavy surprises…
It's finally time.
I didn't know how to feel about it. Happy? Terrified? Worried? Sick? Excited? All of those and more? Hell, there was so much at stake in this concert, I was on the edge of just grabbing my bag and running away.
We're ready.
No, I'm not ready!
We worked so hard...
We didn't work enough!
The song is amazing.
So are the others!
We're ready.
Are we?
"Ary?"
My throat felt dry, and I turned my head to see all the boys behind me. I offered a strained smile, but it would seem the action took what I had left of energy, for a wave of nausea washed over me.
"I don't feel so good…" I placed an hand over my mouth, leaning over the edge.
"Oh, Ary…"
Next thing I knew, Natsuki darted forward and started spinning me around.
"N-Natsuki!"
After a few more turns, he finally put me back on my feet, smiling widely.
"Feeling better?"
I blinked once, twice.
It actually worked. I fail to understand the logic behind it, though.
"A little warning, next time?" I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Aw, you're so cute" he patted me head.
"Don't stress too much, Ary" Syo swung an arm around my shoulders, ignoring my protests. "We've got this in the bag, alright?"
I knot formed in my throat, and I look to all the others. There was no incertitude in their eyes, only warmth and faith. And, realizing that, I could only smile back.
"Heard you loud and clear" I saluted. "Now don't breach the bubble!"
I hit him upside the head and he groaned, backing away, as the rest laughed.
"It's almost time" then stated Masato.
"I'm all fired up!" cheered Otoya.
I laughed, patting his shoulder.
"You ought to calm down on Fairy Tail a bit, Otoya" I teased.
"But you're the one who made me watch!" he whined.
"Details"
He pouted, and I listened as the laughs of my dearest friends echoed once more. I could barely stop my hands from shaking, but it didn't matter. Deep down, I knew very well that we were more than ready for this.
Yes.
It's finally time.
Two days earlier
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me, I-"
My voice died in my throat when I found his lips on mine once more. After a moment, I relaxed, and kissed him back.
After a few more seconds that seemed like an eternity, we pulled away, taking in some much needed air. He was slightly panting, and I could feel my cheeks burning.
What the fuck just happened.
"Ranmaru-"
"Ary-"
We both stopped, none of us knowing what to do or say or even think. After all, what had just happened between the two of us only opened the door for more trouble to come in. I knew we couldn't just ignore it, but…
"There's the 'no-love' rule" I finally said, my voice lacking conviction.
"I know" he sighed in the same tone.
"Do you… love me?" the word was foreign on my tongue.
Oh my God, I can't believe I just asked that.
"… do you?" he then replied.
What do I say? Oh my gosh, what do I say? Think, girl, think!
"… yes" I finally answered, not daring to meet his gaze.
There was a slight chuckle from his part and, next thing I knew, I was pulled into a warm embrace. I took a deep breath, hoping to calm the erratic beating of my heart, though it was much in vain.
"Good. Me too" he simply said.
We kept silent for a moment, relishing in the peace that we knew would end sooner than later.
"What do we do now?" I then asked, not pulling away.
"I don't know" he admitted, slightly tightening his hold. "But we'll figure something out. There's still the SSS. We need to focus on that for now"
"Agreed" I nodded, some relief washing over me despite everything. "We'll talk about this once the decisive concert is dealt with. For now… let's just act per usual. It's in two days, so we're both going to be with our groups anyway. And after…"
"After" he confirmed softly.
Silence took over once more. I lingered in his arms a little longer, before taking a short breath and letting go. He released me, though there was some hesitation. I offered a small smile, taking his hand and squeezing it tightly for a second.
"I'll see you later. And Ranmaru, what happened now… forget about it for the SSS, okay? I want you and QUARTET NIGHT to do your best, got it? I don't want some half-hassed victory" I warned.
He rolled his eyes at my words, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"As if we'd do anything else. We're going to kick your asses, pipsqueak" he assured with a lazy grin.
I snorted derisively, and he ruffled my hair. And, just like that, we were back to our usual relationship.
Two days…
We'll settle everything…
In two days.
"STARISH is arriving!"
Once the bus stopped, we went outside. As soon as I stepped foot on the ground, though, I found Haruka arriving to greet us outside.
"Haruka!"
She laughed as I hugged her tightly, happy to see her. The passed two days had been eventful, everyone working harder than ever, so we hadn't seen much of our Composer or any of the others.
"QUARTET NIGHT is arriving!"
At that, I let her go to assist to the arrival of one of our rivals. I bit my lower lip as the four of them stopped before STARISH in a staring contest, no one saying a word.
Haruka wasn't at ease with the sudden pressure, apparently.
"G-guys…"
"The time has come to settle this" announced Tokiya.
"Between the three groups of QUARTET NIGHT, STARISH, and HEAVENS" confirmed Reiji, smiling confidently.
"Yes, the three groups" agreed Otoya.
Everyone was smiling happily. While the rivalry was obviously present, it was a good one, one that pushed all of us to do our best and go beyond our limits. The relationship we had managed to build up with our seniors and even HEAVENS made me happy, even giddy.
In the end, no matter what happens, how it turns out…
With that, the two groups headed in separate ways to go to their respective lodges. I lingered a little behind, sending a look to Ranmaru. We stared at each other for a moment.
"Ran-Ran, coming?"
"Ary, hurry up!"
No matter what…
"Coming!"
I smiled at the bassist. He smiled back, before hitting his chest twice, and it took me a second to realize it was where his heart was. Before I could react, though, he already spun on his heels to join his group.
"Ary!"
"I said I was coming! Sheesh, don't get your panties in a twist!"
I'll forever be grateful for all the bonds I've built, for the chances that were given to me.
To any who can hear me…
"What took you so long?" huffed Syo when I reached them.
"Life. Now come on, you're wasting time!" I taunted, running ahead.
"Y-you're the one who was lagging behind!" he protested, coming after me.
My laugh echoed against the walls as I ran faster.
Thank you.
We didn't say anything to Reiji. We had managed to escape the library, myself convincing Ranmaru to use the window, and I later on went to ask him to just drop everything for now, seeing as I wanted to work for the SSS. Understanding, he promised not to interfere any longer, but that he wouldn't let go so easily.
I thought back to Ranmaru's earlier gesture, placing an hand over my heart, which was beating wildly. I couldn't tell if it was because of the stress or because of the simple confession, but it felt good, in a way.
"It's starting soon" remarked Natsuki, calm for once.
We all looked down at that. Everyone was in their costumes, ready for the stage whenever they'd call for us.
Soon. Soon. Soon.
"I always get nervous before concerts" suddenly admitted Otoya.
"Yeah" instantly agreed Syo. "I'm really fired up, but I can never get used to this"
"It means concerts have that special something" replied confidently Cecil.
"We've worked hard to prepare for this day" stated Tokiya.
"Through our combined efforts…" Masato trailed off.
"Let's make this concert a success" claimed Ren, an hand on his hip.
"We're going to give the best show STARISH has ever given!" I cheered, pumping my fist in the air.
"Hai!"
"QUARTET NIGHT, the performance will be starting soon" announced a staff member through the door.
They all exchanged confident glances at that, before heading for the stage, their steps proud and determined.
"Let's go"
As they made their way there, though, Ranmaru could only think back to what had happened earlier, when STARISH confronted QUARTET NIGHT. It had been the spur of the moment, he acted without thinking. However, he couldn't bring himself to regret it, and only hoped no one –especially Reiji- had noticed.
After they escaped the library, they both turned their backs to each other and parted ways. Ary went back to her room, and himself returned to his apartment. When the brunet later came home, Ranmaru simply informed him that he wished to concentrate on QUARTET NIGHT and the SSS before putting his mind to anything else. The older member of their group had made a face, before shrugging and accepting not to do anything else, though he wouldn't let him forget about it once everything was said and done.
QUARTET NIGHT would win the decisive concert. It was no longer for the group only, though. His own goal was more selfish. After all, if they won, then Ary would have to leave and join HEAVENS. If that happened, then they'd be allowed to date each other. And, while he knew wanting her to leave STARISH, her family, her dream, merely for his sake… he couldn't help it.
But then again, the situation could very well turn around. STARISH had the same chances as them or HEAVENS to win the SSS. If that happened, then… well, they'd find another way. After all, they still hadn't talk about it.
The man shook his head as they entered the backstage. He needed to forget about everything and focus on the concert that was about to begin. In the end, no matter what happened, no matter how it turned out, he wouldn't regret anything that lead to this very moment, these very feelings.
"Allow me to introduce the groups that will be taking the stage. First up is this group. These four beautifully glowing bolts of lightning traveled across the country, their sensational voices splendidly ringing out across all regions. With each member possessing his own unique brilliance, their light is perfect. What kind of excitement will those bolts of lightning that connect heaven and earth bring to us today? QUARTET NIGHT!"
The crowd started cheering. I fidgeted with my hands, before rubbing my sweaty palms on my pants. I was so nervous it wasn't even funny but, in a way, I was glad.
It'll be over soon.
Whatever happened, there was a part of me, incredibly selfish, that was relieved. No more stress, no more problems… I seriously needed a break.
"Let me present the next group! 'We'll always watch over you', you can practically hear them saying it. They are a eight-colored prism spread across the sky. Their multicolored beams of light are an arch supporting each other. Using their strong bonds as a rainbow bridge, they come to us splendidly, powerfully, and brilliantly. STARISH!"
We started advancing as one, walking above the wild crowd on a very much real rainbow bridge. As we descended onto the stage, I felt some sort of calmness wash over me. The pressure weighting on my shoulders seemed to be lifted. I was at peace, both in body and mind.
We can do this.
We stood in a line on the stage, facing the crowd that was now demanding the finally group. I hid my smile, knowing it'd betray my knowledge, as the animator of the night looked down.
"I have an announcement to make" he said seriously. "Raging Entertainment's HEAVENS, who was scheduled to perform today, has dropped out of the decisive concert"
All of the guys stiffened, instantly snapping their eyes to me as I kept my cool. If HEAVENS didn't participate, then the deal with Raging was no longer of existence, and I would therefore be forced to leave. I could also feel the stares of QUARTET NIGHT farther away, but I was careful not to loose my blank face.
Earlier that day, Akemi called me to pass along a message from Van. They would show up against Raging's orders despite all, but couldn't risk telling anyone else for, if the Director found out, then he would truly disband them. However, the group wanted to inform me, so that I wouldn't worry needlessly.
Heavy protests and booing started all around us.
"Quiet. Quiet, please. I repeat, HEAVENS has withdrawn from the concert. The decisive concert will be held with STARISH and QUARTET NIGHT only"
All around us, though, no one was listening. All fans were chanting the name of the missing group, and even the judges were at loss at what to do. I bit my lower lip.
"Ary…"
I smiled at Masato.
"Don't worry. It's not over yet"
"You know something, don't you, Kitten?" accused Ren, though amused.
"Obviously"
They all relaxed at that.
"Can I speak for a minute?"
I reported my attention to Reiji, who had taken the mike with a somewhat somber air.
"The decisive concert is meaningless unless QUARTET NIGHT, STARISH and HEAVENS are here. After all, that's why we requested a re-election"
"We want to face HEAVENS and STARISH with our passion for music in our hearts" added Ai. "We came this far with this desire in mind"
"We offer our passion to music and attempt to exceed perfection" pursued Camus.
"When we sing our souls and hearts out with them, we will win" assured Ranmaru.
"So we'll wait for HEAVENS as long as it takes" concluded Reiji, smiling.
I exchanged knowing smiles with my friends, before Otoya moved forward with confidence.
"HEAVENS will come" he announced, faith unfaltering. "They'll definitely come!"
"It's not like them to drop out" agreed Tokiya.
"HEAVENs has a love for music in their hearts" remarked lightly Cecil.
"They'd never give up!" exclaimed Syo.
"With iron wills, they see their convictions through" continued Masato.
Where the hell are all the mikes coming from!?
"We're burning with passion too" announced Ren.
"We all believe in them" beamed Natsuki.
Nevermind, I found mine.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen" I laughed. "I think we're all of the same mind, then, aren't we?"
I extended my mike to them, and they all started cheering even louder. The stage was trembling under the strength of the noise…
"Glad to hear it" I grinned. "Then, if you'd allow me, I would like to present to you the third and final group. They gave all of us quite a scare, but never would they abandon their precious angels. I give you all… HEAVENS!"
Instantly, the lights were turned off. There was a moment of silence, before light illuminated the stage once more, revealing the members of HEAVENS standing tall and proud on their columns, much like when they had first interrupted the SSS so many months ago.
The cheers were even louder than before, something I never though possible. I couldn't wipe the stupid grin stretching my lips at their appearance and the following reaction of the fans. I could only imagine the shock of Raging.
Man, wish I could see his face.
"Good, good…" grinned Eiichi in a feral way. "Withdraw? You think we would withdraw from a concert? No, of course not"
He snapped his fingers, and a staircase ascending to the stage appeared, surrounded by blue flames. Then, the group started going down to reach us, and I could only roll my eyes at the little display.
"Sorry we're late" apologized sheepishly Eiji.
"Thanks for waiting" said Kira, simple as always. "We're here"
"Attention, everyone!" called Nagi. "The world's cutest boy, Nagi, has arrived!"
"Let's enjoy this passionate night together" declared Van.
"Let me sing already" grinned Yamato, hitting his fists together.
"We have opened the path that was closed to return to you, angels" announced my cute little sheep boy.
"HEAVENS responds to the voices of angels with noble hearts burning with passion" proclaimed Eiichi.
The staircase disappeared, and I snorted.
Loudly.
"Why, always fashionably late, uh?" I teased, earning laughs in the audience.
"Aa, thank you for the lovely introduction" replied Eiichi.
"Anytime" I winked.
After what, the group went to stand between QUARTET NIGHT and STARISH. Then, she crowd went wild once more. Now that the three groups were present, the decisive concert would finally begin.
"Well, let's get the greatest night ever started!" proposed Reiji.
We were then ushered off the stage.
"I can't believe you knew and didn't tell us" whined Otoya.
"Surprise?"
They either rolled their eyes or shook their heads in exasperation, while I simply laughed. Outside, the cheers could still be heard, along with some music.
Oh, QUARTET NIGHT's starting.
While it would seem like hours, I knew it would only take two minutes for them before everything was over and HEAVENS took over. Wanting to hear everything, I left the room and went to the backstage, where I found Haruka already waiting.
"Ary" she smiled at me. "Are you nervous?"
"Hard not to be" I admitted, leaning against the wall next to her while enjoying the music.
She placed an hand on my shoulder in comfort.
"Don't worry. I know you can do it" she assured, the warmth in her eyes genuine. "You are an amazing person, Ary. If not this way, then you'll make it work with another"
"You give me too much credit" I chuckled. "I'm no god either, Haruka. Everyone's hard work will determine our fate… my fate, now. It's out of our control"
"If it does turn out… that you join HEAVENS…" she bit her lower lip, before offering a determined gaze. "We'll still be with you! You'll always be a part of STARISH, no matter what happens! Please don't forget!"
I gaped at her little outburst, my eyes prickling with a familiar feeling. Wiping the tears away before they could run freely down my face, I then laughed and hugged her tightly, feeling better.
"Thank you, Haruka"
Letting her go, we then reported our attention on the ongoing show. I couldn't help but feel amazed and somewhat intimidated. They were truly great, after all. However, I also knew STARISH could be on pars with them. After another minute, QUARTET NIGHT's concert finished. A few seconds later, the four members arrived backstage. As soon as the curtains closed, they let go of appearances and slumped in exhaustion, panting heavily. They had given their all to the show, after all. It's only after a moment that they finally noticed us.
"Awesome job, guys" I beamed, offering a peace sign. "Though you're no match for STARISH"
Reiji laughed at that, ruffling my hair. Ai simply smiled, and Camus shook his head, though there was a certain softness in his traits. We had become closer after the Solo Project, so reading his thoughts had become easier.
I barely noticed as Reiji thanked Haruka with a kiss on the cheek, Ai smiling warmly at her or even Camus placing a kiss on her forehead, reporting my attention on Ranmaru, who hadn't move yet, he too staring at me.
Behind us, Reiji grabbed everyone and left, ignoring their slight protests.
"You truly were amazing out there" I then smiled, crossing my arms over my chest. "Not letting us a chance, uh?"
Before he could react, I got on the tip of my toes and kissed him lightly.
"I didn't get to give you a good luck kiss" I then grinned, falling back on my feet.
He snorted, hugging me for a moment. I relished in the embrace, before he let me go. He then left to join his own group. I stared as he disappeared at the end of the hallway, refraining a sigh.
So complicated…
"So, you and Kurosaki, uh?"
"Fuck!"
I jumped at the voice, spinning around to see Eiichi grinning mysteriously at me, HEAVENS standing behind him. I flushed red, hiding my face in my hands.
"Please don't say anything"
"We won't, Ary" assured Eiji, patting my head.
The rest muttered their agreements, and I let out a relieved breath.
"Thanks a bunch. We still haven't figured things out, so…" I trailed off. "Anyway, it's your turn, uh? Do your best!"
"Of course" beamed Van.
"As if we'd do anything else" Yamato rolled his eyes.
"We have been blessed by the stars" simply said Shion.
"Don't worry about it" Kira offered me one of his rare smiles.
"Let's go, guys!" exclaimed Nagi, already moving ahead with a smug smirk. "Ranmaru and Ary-chan, K-I-S-S-I-N-G~"
"Shut it you little brat!"
He laughed gleefully, disappearing behind the curtains. The rest of the group followed, Eiichi lingering behind.
"… if you join HEAVENS, then you'll be able to be together, right?"
"I know"
He nodded, before ruffling my hair and joining them. I huffed, replacing said hair. Everyone had the habit of ruffling it, which kind of annoyed me. However, I also knew it was a sign of affection, so I decided to simply keep my mouth shut.
Shaking my head, I then headed back to the room where the rest of STARISH was awaiting. When I arrived, they were already watching HEAVENS' performance on the TV.
"Where did you go, Ary?" wondered Cecil, curious.
"Had to relax a bit" I shrugged. "I talked to Haruka"
He nodded in understanding, and we both reported our attention on the undergoing show by our rival team.
We're next…
We all formed a closed circle, my arms around Otoya and Tokiya.
"It's finally our turn" stated the black-haired boy. "Is everyone ready? I'm itching to sing"
"Let's deliver our song to everyone out there" beamed the redhead.
"I can't confine these feelings anymore" agreed the Prince.
"We've been teased enough already" nodded Masato confidently.
"All that's left is to give it all we've got" assured Ren.
"Let's go all out!" grinned Syo.
"And offer our best performance for all to see" I added as my heart began racing in anticipation.
"Here we go, then" smiled Natsuki. "STARISH!"
"Fight!" we all exclaimed.
As we laughed and made our way outside, I felt happy, determined. I wouldn't let go now, of all moments.
And if it turns out for the worst…
I looked at each of my friends. Otoya had an arm slung over Cecil's shoulders. Natsuki was choking Syo. Tokiya, Masato and Ren were all talking animatedly. Each had a wide smile spread on their faces, smiles that I burned in my memories.
Haruka is right. No matter what happens, I will always be a part of STARISH.
And now…
"Guys!"
They turned to me, and I grinned.
"Let's do this!"
They returned my confidence, and Syo bumped my fist.
"Hai!"
Let's get this show on the road.
This concludes the chapter, people! I wanted to inform you all that the next will be, obviously, consisting of the thirteenth episode of the season four of Uta No Prince-Sama, but also with a little nostalgic twist.
You'll see.
As for the ship name... well, I thought about 'Rocky Beat' but that sounds really cliché. Other than that, I like AryMaru and Ranya. Anything else?
I want to hear your thoughts, I'm awaiting your reviews impatiently!
